The Los Angeles Clippers and the Chicago Bulls are both at a crossroads heading into the 2024-25 NBA season. The Clippers are heavily invested in winning now, while the Bulls are navigating a rebuild/retool with limited flexibility to make meaningful roster upgrades. A trade that sends Zach LaVine to the Clippers in exchange for Norman Powell, Terance Mann, and P.J. Tucker would benefit both franchises, aligning with their respective goals and financial realities.
This LA Clippers Trade Sees Them Get a Third Star
Trade details
The Clippers get: Zach LaVine
The Bulls get: Norman Powell, Terance Mann, and P.J. Tucker
Why The trade Makes Sense For The Clippers
The Clippers have consistently aimed to assemble a championship-caliber team around their superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. However, injuries and inconsistent performances have derailed their title aspirations. Ultimately, George signed with the 76ers this offseason, ending an underwhelming five-year stretch that held so much promise. Now the Clippers are moving forward, led by the aforementioned Leonard and James Harden.
Adding LaVine, a two-time All-Star and one of the league’s premier scorers, would give the Clippers a much-needed boost in offensive firepower. According to HoopsHype, he’s the seventh-best shooting guard in the league. LaVine, who averaged 19.5 points per game in his 25 outings during the 2023-24 season, offers elite athleticism, making him a perfect fit alongside Leonard and Harden. His ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor would relieve some pressure off the aging stars, allowing the Clippers to diversify their offensive schemes.
LaVine, at 29, is still in his prime and has several years left on his contract, making him a valuable long-term asset for the Clippers. With Leonard and Harden nearing the tail end of their peak years, LaVine could be the bridge that keeps the Clippers competitive as their current stars age. His presence ensures that the Clippers remain a formidable force, even as they transition to a new era—especially important as they don’t control their picks until 2030.
While the Clippers are already deep into the luxury tax, adding LaVine’s contract, which is substantial but manageable, makes sense given their current financial situation. They are already committed to paying the luxury tax, so the marginal increase in salary may be worth the potential championship payoff. Moreover, LaVine’s contract aligns with the timelines of Leonard and Harden, ensuring that their financial obligations are synchronized.
Why The Trade Makes Sense For The Bulls
For the Bulls, trading LaVine would provide much-needed financial relief. Currently, the Bulls are $29 million over the tax, with LaVine’s $43 million contract being the largest on their books. Moving him would immediately create significant cap space in 2025, allowing the Bulls to avoid the penalties associated with paying the luxury tax, something that will be especially important to the notoriously cheap Bulls ownership. In exchange, the Bulls receive Powell, Mann, and Tucker, whose combined contracts are more manageable and provide the team with greater flexibility moving forward.
The Bulls are in a transitional phase, with a roster that has underperformed relative to expectations. By acquiring Powell and Mann, the Bulls add two solid rotational players who can contribute immediately while also fitting into a rebuild/retool. Powell is a proven scorer, averaging around 13.9 points per game last season, and can provide a steady veteran presence. Mann, known for his versatility and defensive acumen, offers upside and could thrive in a larger role in Chicago. Tucker, though in the twilight of his career, brings a defensive mindset and championship experience, which could be invaluable in mentoring the younger players.
Trading LaVine allows the Bulls to reset their culture and reorient their roster around a different core. While LaVine has been the face of the franchise for several years, the Bulls have struggled to find sustained success. This trade would signal a shift in direction, giving the Bulls a chance to retool around a core of Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Josh Giddey, and Matas Buzelis.
The Last Word
This trade scenario presents a strategic opportunity for both the Clippers and the Bulls. The Clippers, in their quest for a championship, trade for an elite scorer in LaVine who complements their existing stars and keeps their title window open. Meanwhile, the Bulls receive valuable assets that provide financial relief, flexibility, and the potential to build a more future-oriented roster. For both teams, this deal represents a chance to address their current needs while planning for the future, making it a win-win situation for all parties involved.
