It has been clear that Zach LaVine is being shopped by the Chicago Bulls but the organization is having a tough time finding the right dance partner to complete a trade. Recent reports are emerging that the LA Clippers are entering the picture, hoping to land the high-flying swingman.
According to the report by Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times, LaVine is being considered by the LA Clippers but the trade should happen by the start of the season or by the trade deadline of February 2025.
“NBA people still feel like if there’s a place Zach LaVine could end up going to – either before the season or at the deadline – don’t rule out the Clippers,” posts Cowley on X.
NBA people still feel like if there’s a place Zach LaVine could end up going to – either before the season or at the deadline – don’t rule out the Clippers.
— Joe Cowley (@JCowleyHoops) July 16, 2024
The 29-year-old guard still has three years and $138 million on his contract with the Bulls. The last year of the current deal is a player option for LaVine worth $48 million. The two-time NBA All-Star has been the main subject of trade talks surrounding the Chicago Bulls, which look to build off from their younger stars.
During the 2023–24 season, LaVine played in 25 games, averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists.. In his seven years with the Bulls, he has helped the franchise return to the playoffs only once in 2022 and a play-in finish in 2023.
How will the LA Clippers trade for Zach LaVine?
The departure of Paul George left a big void on the wing for the LA Clippers rotation and they are in the hunt to add more talent to join their current stars, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. A trade for Zach LaVine will help increase their chances of reaching the playoffs again in a stacked NBA Western Conference.
However, it may take a lot for the Clippers to get LaVine and match the $43 million that he is owed in the upcoming 2024–25 season.
In order for this to happen, the Clippers may have to move on with Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell, whose total contracts combined are $31 million. Those two alone are not enough, as they may need to put the contract of Terrence Mann valued at $11.4 million into the mix. Another option to replace Mann is letting 39-year-old PJ Tucker opt in for his $11.5 million for the 2024–25 season.
If this is the deal, the depth of the Clippers will be compromised just to acquire another star to join James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.
The Clippers will enter the new season playing on their new home court in Inglewood, California, with the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome built by team owner Steve Balmer.
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