According to NBA reporter Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Los Angeles Clippers might trade for Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine. LaVine and the Bulls are looking to part ways, but Chicago has struggled to find a team willing to take on the guard due to his injury history and contract.
Zach LaVine played only 25 games in the 2023-24 season before undergoing season-ending right foot surgery in February. A two-time All-Star, LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.3 blocks in 2023-24, shooting 45.2% from the field, 34.9% from beyond the arc, and 85.4% from the free-throw line.
LaVine signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022. The UCLA product has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.3 blocks, having played for both the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Bulls, with a 216-364 record.
According to Hoops Wire, LaVine “would like” to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. He, along with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, share the same agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group. However, sources indicate that the Lakers are not expected to pursue a trade for LaVine, whose trade value is low due to his recent surgery and remaining three years and $138 million on his contract.
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the relationship between LaVine and the Bulls is “filled with mistrust.” An NBA insider revealed that the relationship between LaVine and the team’s top brass is “completely shattered,” with LaVine and his representation feeling misled about possible trade destinations. The Bulls, in turn, felt that LaVine opting for surgery instead of rehab was a counterpunch thrown “below the belt.”
The Clippers, who were eliminated by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2024 playoffs in six games, could be potential trade partners. The Clippers lost Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, creating a possible opening for LaVine.
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