Names in the trade market were too big for the Memphis Grizzlies
Realistically speaking, did you really think All-Star players like Bradley Beal and Zach Lavine would end up in Memphis?
The Beal trade-talks were already “hushed” once the Wizards started picking up the slack during their post-All-Star win streak. They were winning some games, helping them come to the realization that they couldn’t just ship Beal off somewhere and let him walk away.
So, ultimately, there were many teams that turned away and lost hope at landing the star guard.
But as all know, that Wizards team is back to their semi-horrid ways; no pun intended. The winning streak did not last for the Wizards, sadly. Still, Beal will not be going anywhere as of now.
Zach Lavine was also a similar case in relation to Beal. The Chicago Bulls knew that if they dealt Lavine, they were going to have to go through another rebuild. Lavine is at his peak and the Bulls know it.
Chicago signed Nikola Vucevic today, as he will serve as a great piece to pair with Lavine in pick-and-roll action.
Another thing to note, as it relates to Zach Lavine and the Bulls’ new pickup, is that Vucevic is exactly what the Bulls needed. He spaces the floor, he can shoot, and he’s a great passer. All of the attributes Chicago was looking for in a player to pair with Lavine were met.
This, indeed, played a role in why the former UCLA point-guard will remain in Chi-Town.