Zach LaVine Trade Rumors: Clippers Emerge as Possible Destination
Rumors are swirling about a potential trade involving Zach LaVine, as the Los Angeles Clippers have emerged as a possible destination for the talented guard. This speculation comes from NBA insider Tim Bontemps of ESPN, who cited a Western Conference scout’s inquiry about LaVine’s fit with the Clippers.
Zach LaVine’s Contract Situation
Zach LaVine is currently under a significant contract. He carries a cap hit of $47.5 million for the current season. Additionally, LaVine has a player option valued at nearly $49 million for the 2026-27 season, as reported by Spotrac.
Clippers’ Expiring Contracts
The Clippers have several players whose contracts are expiring soon, creating a pathway for a trade. Key players include:
- John Collins – $26.6 million cap hit this season, unrestricted free agent in 2026
- James Harden – $39.2 million this season, player option for 2026-27
- Bogdan Bogdanovic – $16 million this season, club option for 2026-27
By moving some of these expiring contracts, the Clippers could accommodate LaVine’s deal. They might also receive valuable assets from the Kings, easing the cap burden.
Clippers’ Strategic Considerations
The Clippers are considering a long-term strategy. They intend to be free of LaVine’s contract by the start of the 2027-28 season, aligning with their ambitions for future cap space. This makes them a strong candidate to take on LaVine’s contract, as highlighted by Bontemps.
LaVine’s Performance this Season
So far this season, Zach LaVine has played 20 games, showcasing his scoring capabilities with an average of 19.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. He has maintained an impressive shooting accuracy of 48.6 percent from the field and 37 percent from beyond the arc.
Current Team Challenges
Both the Clippers and the Kings are experiencing challenging seasons, sitting at 6-16 and 5-17, respectively. As they approach the trade deadline in February, both teams may consider selling assets. If the Kings are open to relinquishing LaVine to alleviate future cap impacts, the Clippers could leverage this opportunity for their rebuilding efforts.
Furthermore, LaVine could bolster a Clippers backcourt that has been plagued by injuries. Veteran guard Bradley Beal, brought in to fill the void left by Norman Powell, has only managed to average 8.2 points across six games before suffering a hip injury that has ended his season.
The potential trade of Zach LaVine to the Clippers may provide mutual benefits for both teams as they navigate their respective seasons.
