This NBA summer, trade rumors involving Zach LaVine have been commonplace, but they are still just that—rumors. The Chicago Bulls player is most closely associated with the Los Angeles Clippers, particularly since Paul George left them to join the Philadelphia 76ers. Many believe he may be PG’s successor in Los Angeles.
However, Sir Charles in Charge’s Michael Saenz disagrees with that viewpoint.
Despite LaVine’s brilliance, the organization would be quite naive to trade for him and his deal after losing PG. It would also, and maybe most crucially, smell like desperation.
Trading for LaVine would not have much of an upside, and it may be a bad long-term decision. I see that they’re attempting to establish themselves as a competitive team in the West, but with their current roster, it would make far more sense for the Clippers to take a little step back and focus on rebuilding the club rather than adding PG as a band-aid solution.
Although LaVine is a fantastic player, clubs don’t seem to be interested in trading for him because of his high contract and doubts about his longevity. The existing contract of the former UCLA standout, who underwent foot surgery last season, has three additional years in addition to a $48.9 million player option for the 2026–2027 campaign. In 2024–2025, he will make $43.03 million; in 2025–2026, he will make $45.99 million.
The Clippers, who lost in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs in 2024, still boast James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Instead of adding another star who carries a significant long-term risk, Los Angeles should probably just remain with those two and work to further solidify the support system.
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