Raptors trade rumors: 3 Eastern Conference guards to target

1. Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls

This is a bit improbable, admittedly, and should only be considered if the Raptors manage to catch fire and reestablish themselves as a contender. Why pay Fred VanVleet close to max contract money when you can get a superior scorer in LaVine for the next few seasons?

The latest reports seem to suggest that LaVine is not thrilled about his role with the Bulls. Perhaps there is some strife between him and DeMar DeRozan? With Chicago on the verge of detonating this roster in favor of a new look, LaVine might be what gets them the biggest return while simultaneously making Toronto a team to be reckoned with.

Zach LaVine would transform the Toronto Raptors.

LaVine has averaged 25.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in his last five seasons. With a 3-point percentage of just under 40% on seven attempts per game and his boundless verticality, LaVine and Pascal Siakam would be one heck of a 1-2 punch offensively.

Selling off starters like VanVleet, an Illinois native, to acquire LaVine would make Toronto a financially rigid team, but the short-term boost would be phenomenal. A big three of Siakam, LaVine, and Scottie Barnes should strike fear into the rest of the Eastern Conference.