5 All-in trades Clippers should make around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George
By Tyler Watts
3. Clippers target LaVine
Zach LaVine was again in the rumors this summer. The Bulls brought back Nikola Vucevic in free agency and kept their core together. They even added a few role players in hopes of making a run. A slow start in Chicago could force them to change course and put their two-time All-Star shooting guard squarely on the trade block.
Acquiring LaVine is a massive gamble. The 28-year-old is in his prime and has scored over 23 points per game for five straight years. His injury history is slightly concerning, especially with four years and $178.0 million remaining on his contract, but the Clippers cannot be too choosey with just two first-round picks to offer in a trade.
Making this trade would signal a total rebuild in Chicago. The Bulls have missed the playoffs five times in the last six years, but have not shown signs of looking to retool. DeMar DeRozan is entering the final year of his contract and would likely also be traded if the franchise dumps LaVine.
Can the two-time All-Star help the Clippers win in LA? In his first nine NBA seasons, LaVine has played in just four playoff contests. His teams have struggled to win, despite him putting up significant numbers. Playing next to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George could be exactly what unlocks Zach LaVine, but this is certainly a risky deal.