Zach LaVine Trade Rumors: Clippers Eye Bulls Star Amid Hefty Contract Concerns

The ongoing trade rumours surrounding Zach LaVine have taken a backseat recently as the Chicago Bulls struggle to find a suitable trade partner across both conferences. However, Bulls insider Joe Cowley believes the LA Clippers remain a potential team to watch. According to league sources, Cowley tweeted that there is still a market for the two-time NBA All-Star.

Cowley reported that the Clippers are one of the teams reportedly interested in LaVine’s services. This comes after the team traded away a key piece in Paul George and amidst rumours that the front office would part ways with veteran guard Russell Westbrook.

“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,” Cowley stated.

The Lakers were also named as possible suitors for LaVine, a rumor that has persisted for a couple of seasons. He has been linked with his hometown team after LeBron James reportedly greenlit the idea of pursuing the shooting guard. However, it has been a dull offseason for the Purple and Gold, as they have stood pat in free agency after missing out on high-profile targets like Klay Thompson and DeMar DeRozan.

Now, the Clippers, looking to build a competitive roster around Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, are seen as a likely destination for Zach LaVine.

One of the main reasons behind the lack of interest in Zach LaVine is his hefty contract and troubling injury history. A knee injury forced LaVine to be shut down after just 25 games last season. In his limited time on the floor, the 29-year-old averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. Throughout his 580-game career, LaVine has averaged 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per contest, shooting 46.4% from the field and 38.2% from downtown.

His contract remains a significant barrier. Should he pick up his player option for the 2026-27 season, LaVine will still be owed nearly $140 million over the next three years, which has made teams hesitant to take on the guard.

With the Clippers, LaVine could fill the void left by George, although his defense is a lot more questionable. George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 74 games last season, numbers LaVine could match if he stays healthy. But with his health and an expensive contract working against him, it remains to be seen if he will become a Clipper.

Zach LaVine’s potential move to the Clippers is a storyline that captures the complex dynamics of the NBA trade market. His talent is undeniable, but the financial and health risks associated with acquiring him have created a challenging scenario for interested teams. The Clippers’ interest suggests a willingness to gamble on his ability to perform at a high level despite these risks.

The NBA is a league where star power can shift the balance of power dramatically. Zach LaVine’s case is a classic example of how talent, health, and financial commitments intersect to shape a player’s trade value. The Clippers, known for their aggressive moves to build a championship contender, may see LaVine as the missing piece. However, they must weigh the potential benefits against the significant risks involved.

LaVine’s performance when healthy is a testament to his capabilities, but the question remains whether he can maintain that level consistently. If the Clippers decide to take the plunge, it could be a high-risk, high-reward scenario that might just pay off if LaVine can stay on the court and produce.

As the trade rumours surrounding Zach LaVine continue to swirl, the Clippers have emerged as a key contender. The decision to trade for LaVine involves balancing his undeniable talent against the significant financial and health risks. Whether or not the Clippers decide to pull the trigger on this trade could have major implications for their future and LaVine’s career.