It's time for the Bulls to trade Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic

Rumors about the Chicago Bulls finally moving on from Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević have been running rampant for years now. However, in a lost season with no additional help on the roster, Chicago may finally be ready to move on from its star players. At least, it must if it wishes to have any real hopes of future success. 

This era of Bulls basketball has dragged on for far too long now, and this core should have been broken up a long time ago. Yet, for whatever reason, Artūras Karnišovas has kept it together despite mustering one winning season in five years. 

Now, Chicago sits at 18-21, holding the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference, and with trade rumors at an all-time high, it's time for Karnišovas to do the right thing and trade LaVine and Vučević. 

The problem now is that these two arguably have the lowest trade values of their careers, especially with the new CBA making it difficult to move larger contracts. However, the Bulls need to cash in on these two while they can. 

Currently, Chicago has the best odds to earn the ninth pick in the 2025 NBA Draft based on its record. With blue-chip prospects like Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey set to be available in this year's draft, it would be a much better investment for the Bulls to trade their veterans and tank the remainder of the season.

Not only would trading LaVine and Vučević bring in assets to build off of, but it would also give some of the young players on this roster more opportunities to develop. Regardless of the reason, these two players need to go before the Feb. 6 deadline. 

LaVine has been rumored to have interest from the Warriors, Nuggets and Lakers, but most trade talks have stalled recently. Vučević has been rumored to have interest from the Lakers, Warriors and Suns. 

The sooner the Bulls trade these two, the better, especially if they wish to hold a top pick in the upcoming draft.