Zach LaVine trade rumors have been a staple this NBA offseason but they all still remain, well, rumors. The Los Angeles Clippers are among the teams most linked to the Chicago Bulls star, especially after Paul George left them to go to the Philadelphia 76ers, with many thinking he could be PG’s replacement in LA.
But that’s an opinion that Michael Saenz of Sir Charles In Charge is not buying.
LaVine’s talent aside, making a trade for him (and his contract) after losing PG would be quite short-sighted for the team. And, perhaps most importantly, it would reek of desperation.
There’d be little upside to trading for LaVine and it’s a move that could do more harm long term than good. I understand it from the perspective of trying to emerge as a relevant team in the West, but considering the roster they have at the moment, it would make much more sense for the Clippers to make a slight pivot toward rebuilding the roster than to add a potential band-aid replacement for PG.
Zach LaVine may not be the answer for the Los Angeles Clippers
LaVine is a great talent but his expensive contract and questions about his durability appear to scare teams from looking to trade for him. The former UCLA Bruins star who had surgery on his foot last season has three more years remaining on his current deal, including a player option for the 2026-27 season worth $48.9 million. He will earn $43.03 million in the 2024-25 season and $45.99 million in the 2025-26 campaign.
The Clippers, who failed to get out of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, still have Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Los Angeles probably just has to stick with those two and try to further strengthen the support group than add another star with considerable long-term risk.
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