“Tanking” is not always a popular strategy around the NBA. Nobody likes to see a team that’s designed with the intention of losing games. 

At the same time, it can be the most viable path to building a contending team. The league’s lottery system is designed to help the league’s worst teams improve. Sometimes, when you’re a middling team, the best thing you can do is simply get bad enough to take advantage of that means of improvement. 

As constructed, the Chicago Bulls look like one of those middling teams. It would be a shock if they made a run at the NBA title, but at the same time, they should be talented enough to make the playoffs. 

Some will say that’s enough. The Bulls have the pieces to be competitive – the “championship-or-bust” mentality is outdated anyway.

On the other hand, some fans will suggest that, in light of the circumstances, they ought to blow it up. 

If they do, here’s a deal that sends Zach LaVine to the Los Angeles Lakers 

Chicago Bulls Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2026 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL), 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL) 

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Zach LaVine