With the NBA trade deadline just a few weeks away from commencing, teams are starting to move themselves into position to potentially make a splash. NBA titles aren't always won at the trade deadline but sometimes the moves made here can change the trajectory of a season.
There have already been a few trades that could make a difference but more moves are expected before the clock strikes zero. Multiple teams are looking to improve their chances this season and it could have them pulling the trigger on a deal.
In this new trade proposal, the Philadelphia 76ers move on from star forward Paul George. Despite George just signing with the 76ers, Philadelphia corrects their free agent signing and ships him out.
The trade would be between the 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Chicago Bulls. After using the Spotrac trade machine and abiding by the new CBA restrictions, here is what a deal could look like.
76ers receive: Zach LaVine, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a top-10 protected 2029 first-round draft pick
Lakers receive: Paul George and a 2028 second-round draft pick
Bulls receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Max Christie, Kenyon Martin Jr., Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a 2027 second-round draft pick
Why 76ers do this
It has been a nightmare season for the 76ers with injuries and it's starting to look like a lost year. The 76ers brought in George to compete for a title and it has backfired so far.
Moving on from him frees Philadelphia from his long contract. But they do land LaVine to keep them competitive and they also get an additional first-round draft pick to use down the line.
This deal isn't perfect for the 76ers and the likelihood that they give up on George this quickly is low. But in the NBA, nothing is ever off the table.
Why Lakers do this
The Lakers would be giving up a massive haul for George, with Christie being the biggest piece. Los Angeles values Christie a lot but to add a player of the caliber of geirge would help their title quest this season.
Los Angeles doesn't have many more years with the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis so bringing George in maximizes everything. It would be a gamble but the Lakers have always been about star players throughout their history.
Why Bulls do this
Chicago has been looking to move on from LaVine for years and here, they finally do. They would bring in a ton of talent for his services and they could then start the rebuild that they have desperately been wanting to enter.
This is probably the best deal that they would get for LaVine so they will run with it. A move like this could help usher in a new era of Bulls basketball.
More NBA news:
Lakers Predicted to Land $26M Sharpshooting Big in Massive Trade
Blazers Predicted to Trade Away $100M Star to Eastern Conference Contender
Blockbuster Trade Proposal Has Warriors Land Pelicans $36M Star
For more NBA news and rumors, stay tuned to Newsweek Sports.
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Matt Levine
Matt Levine works as a contributing writer for Newsweek. His expertise is in covering the NBA but he also covers ...
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