The NBA’s trade market can be fickle. Often, it leaves teams – and their fans – disappointed. A player could be a star, but a wide range of factors can negatively impact his trade value anyway.

It feels like the Chicago Bulls may soon learn that lesson. Recently, it’s been rumored that Zach LaVine’s market is minimal. That’s unfortunate.

It feels like the Bulls are finally ready to trade LaVine, and now, they might not get much of a return for him. That doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t move him.

There’s no reason to assume LaVine will recoup value. At this point, the Bulls might want to simply take the best offer they can find.

Could the Philadelphia 76ers make that offer?

NBA Trade Proposal: Philadelphia 76ers Land Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine

Chicago Bulls Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., F Nicolas Batum, G De’Anthony Melton, G/F Furkan Korkmaz, 2028 First-Round Pick (LAC via PHI)

Philadelphia 76ers Receive: G/F Zach LaVine

Why does the market fluctuate? There are a lot of explanations. In some respects, the NBA’s market is no different than any other market.

You won’t find two economists with the same explanation of how the economy works. The market may adjust after a period of inflation.

The Utah Jazz received four unprotected first-round picks in exchange for Rudy Gobert. If the Wolves tried to move Gobert now, they wouldn’t get two – and he’s still highly impactful. The market reset. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers Updates

Alternatively, it may be that all of the buyers made their purchases. There is a small number of teams that have assets – so the market for a player like LaVine has shrunk.

Should the Sixers emerge from that market?

Why The Philadelphia 76ers Do The Deal

LaVine isn’t the cleanest fit in Philadelphia. Tyrese Maxey has thrived as this team’s lead guard. Yet, the Sixers are linked to LaVine anyway. Why?

Perhaps it’s simply a matter of his depreciated market. LaVine is a flawed player. He’s a volume scorer who can be inefficient, and he’s a poor defender. He’s still a remarkably gifted offensive player.

If he’s available for the price of an unprotected first, the team receiving him is getting tremendous value. Why shouldn’t the Sixers take advantage of that discount?

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers Updates

LaVine makes them a more talented team. If he can learn to share the ball with Maxey, LaVine will raise their ceiling.

Should the Bulls accept this return for him? 

Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal 

Alternatively, the Bulls could hold out. They could decide that if they can’t get what they think is fair value for LaVine, they’re not moving him.

Sure. How long until LaVine requests a trade? In that event, his value would reach rock bottom. Moreover, if his play doesn’t change, it will only stagnate. Meanwhile, the mediocre Bulls badly need to rebuild. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers Updates

So, they’ll probably have to accept the best return that they can get for LaVine. Here, they’re netting a first-round pick. It’s coming with several expiring contracts. If you’re a Bulls fan and you don’t think that’s enough: blame it on the market.

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