This trade sees the Bulls become competitive in the East in the immediate future, thanks to the re-sign and trade of C.White which allows Chicago to have a highly sought-after player under a good contract and therefore to move decisively on the market.
TRADES
The Kings receive Z.Collins, K.Huenter, and J.Carter in exchange for Z.Lavine and 1frp. Zach is taking the opposite path from a few months ago, returning home to Chicago for one last run at the top of the Eastern Conference. We now know that Lavine is a top-notch offensive player, but his very bloated contract makes him a non-marketable player. A team like Sacramento, which appears intent on rebuilding, needs to shed unnecessary and overly burdensome contracts, even at the cost of losing frp (obviously not their own and/or of too much value), and focus on developing young players for a fresh start. On the other hand, the Bulls know they're trading a trio of high-quality rotation players for a very bloated contract, but for these two years of the contract, it might be worth it.
The Jazz receive C.White (under a new contract), Vucevic, and 1frp for Markkanen and Kessler. This trade includes four top players, three of whom are on questionable contracts. Vucevic's contract is expiring and is making a lot of money for his age, Kessler's contract is expiring and will ask for a significantly higher extension, but the worst deal of all is Lauri, who is undoubtedly a top-tier player, but is below All-NBA Teams figures for the next four years. That said, the Jazz have now taken a clear direction: rebuilding. Therefore, picks, talented young players, and cap space are key to staying in this position as little as possible, and I believe this trade perfectly maps the path Utah must follow. On the other hand, Chicago would lose a great player in C.White and the experience of Vucevic, but would replace them with two instant players, ready to aim high.
So after this trade, the Bulls' roster will be as follows:
Guards: Giddey, Lavine, T.Jones, Ayo, Yuki and D.Terry.
Forwards: Markkanen, Buzelis, Okoro, Essengue, P.Williams and Phillips.
Centers: Kessler, J.Smith and Olbrich.
Starting lineup: Giddey - Lavine - Buzelis - Markkanen - Kessler.