This year’s NBA trade deadline was a roller coaster of emotions for the NBA and its fans, as trades took place between many teams, including the Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, and Chicago Bulls.
20 players were involved in these trades, with the swap of Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks and Antony Davis from the Los Angeles Lakers being the headliner. Former Lakers guard and Rolling Meadows High School alum Max Christie was also shipped to Dallas in the deal.
The Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs suddenly participated in a three-way trade that has caused the Bulls to lose one of their best players, Zach Lavine, to the Kings. During nearly eight seasons with the Bulls, Lavine averaged 24.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 416 games. He scored over 40 points in 21 of those games and currently holds the record for most 3-pointers scored in Bulls history: 1,050.
This is not the first time the Bulls have lost a valuable player to the Kings, as former player DeMar DeRozan was traded to the Sacramento Kings in July 2024. DeRozan averaged 25.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds during his Bulls tenure in 229 games.
The Bulls’ VP of basketball operations, Arturas Karnisovas, made the trade official in a press release on February 3. “Zach has been a cornerstone for this organization and the city,” Karnisovas said. “He truly embraced what it means to be a Bull. His work ethic and passion for the game have been inspiring. During his time here, he not only grew as a player but also started a family, and we watched him develop into the person he is today.”
Lavine took to Instagram to express his gratitude for his time in Chicago. “It’s tough to put into words how much this city and this organization have meant to me over the past 8 years. Chicago, you’ve welcomed me with open arms, and the memories we’ve created together will stay with me forever. The fans here are unlike any other—you’ve made playing in Chicago a true honor, and I’ll always be grateful for your support.”
As of February 18, Lavine has played six games with the Kings. He has averaged 21.5 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists per game and is the team’s third-highest scorer, behind De’Aaron Fox and Demar DeRozan.
In place of Lavine, the Bulls gained shooting guard Kevin Huerter from the Kings. Huerter has averaged 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 points, and 2.3 assists in 3 games for the Bulls. This trade has played a role in recent decisions by the Bulls franchise, which has many fans scratching their heads as a youth movement is potentially happening within the organization. Last July, the Bulls signed 21-year-old Josh Giddey (currently 22) from the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is currently the 5th highest scorer on the team and leads the Bulls in steals.
Also adding to the youth movement is rookie first round pick Matas Buzelis. The 19-year-old has gained much more playing time since the trade and averages 6.4 points per game while leading the team in blocks. In contrast, the Bulls have also agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract extension for Lonzo Ball. While many fans are happy for Ball, they hope he can stay healthy on the court after being injured for much of his Bulls tenure. Fans are still wondering what direction the Bulls will take in the long term now that Lavine is no longer with the team.
