After Paul George opted to take his talents to the East Coast, the LA Clippers wasted no time in adjusting the roster to ensure the team loses as little production as possible without PG on the floor next season. Derrick Jones Jr., Kris Dunn, Nic Batum and others will all help supplant the loss of the Clippers' second-best player for the last five seasons.
But even with those additions, it still seems that LA is one player away from being the level of team they were before. Yes, they have greater depth now, but they are still lacking anything resembling a true co-star to Kawhi Leonard. In past years, that may have been James Harden. But it is clear that he is no longer performing at an All-Star level.
As the Clippers' front office continues to do their due diligence and seek out sensible options, one player has jumped to the forefront: Zach LaVine. According to Chicago Bulls reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times Joe Cowley, LaVine could wind up in Los Angeles.
The Clippers could be a destination for Zach LaVine
Cowley reported that people around the association "still feel like there's a place Zach LaVine could end up going to," and that fans should not rule out the Clippers as an option. He notes that LaVine's potential move could come either before the season or during it - leading up to the trade deadline in February.
Of course, this is not a report that talks between the two teams have officially begun on a deal, but simply that sources around the league believe LaVine could still be moved, and LA would be a logical landing spot. This adds up, given what we have heard the relationship between the Bulls and LaVine is like these days. They are reportedly ready to move on from him.
If LaVine were to end up with the Clippers, it could actually be a surprisingly good fit. Many teams around the league appear unmoved by the prospect of bringing Zach onto their team, so it is possible LA could get him for cheaper than they could in the past. The two-time All-Star could be a solid co-star for Kawhi with the obvious scoring gravity he brings every time he steps on the floor.