Ranking 4 lucrative trade packages for Warriors to deal Chris Paul for a star

Could the Warriors trade Chris Paul for Zach LaVine?

With Klay Thompson sliding into more of a small-forward role on the Warriors, the possibility opens up that Golden State could look to add a shooting guard on the trade market. That’s why they were at least discussed in the Bradley Beal sweepstakes, and why they are an option for Zach LaVine were he to come available.

The Chicago Bulls are stubbornly clinging to their hopes of contending with their current roster, a decision that has resulted in a total of six playoff games over the past three seasons, and at the same time has sent two lottery picks to the Orlando Magic. Were they to finally face the music and break up their core, LaVine would be a potential target for the Warriors:

The Bulls would be making a move similar to the Bradley Beal trade, getting back Chris Paul’s expiring contract to reset their salary cap a year from now. Instead of 10,000 second-round picks they’ll get back two firsts and Gary Payton II from the Warriors, and can likely move Payton on to another contender. Depending on the offers coming back, the possibility of cap space next summer might be alluring enough to push this over the finish line.

For the Warriors, they would be getting a very talented offensive player who could slot between Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson on the perimeter. LaVine is just 28 years old, has a connection to both Steve Kerr and Draymond Green from the Tokyo Olympics, and is a career 38.4 percent 3-point shooter on a difficult diet. He looks like a player who would be an excellent offensive fit.

LaVine also has had chronic knee issues, and his contract therefore brings some risks with it. Add in that LaVIne has just four playoff games to his name, and pushing the chips in for him becomes a risky proposition. Such a move could absolutely work; it may also fail spectacularly.