Clippers News: Trauma Holds Steve Ballmer Back From Pursuing Zach LaVine as Potential Paul George Replacement

After a devastating 2024 post-season run, the LA Clippers lost one of their superstars. Paul George entered free agency after his 5-season stint with the side and signed a 4-year max contract worth $211 million. With a short-handed roster, the team can look to strengthen the side with Zach LaVine. However, a “strange” string of moves, along with a certain past trauma, might restrict Steve Ballmer from pursuing that dream.

The Chicago Bulls star will be entering the third year of his whooping 5-year $215 million max contract. Pretty much throughout his 7-season-long stay with the Bulls, trade rumors constantly surrounded LaVine. Even during the last season, the star could play only 25 games before being pulled out with a right foot injury. Since then, the media has kept the #8 as a potential player for a trade.

Clips fans, who recently lost their superstar, pleaded with the LA side to trade the star. But, a veteran NBA analyst advised the team against it. Trevor Lane of Front Office Sports said, “Part of the reason why the Clippers didn’t keep Paul George from what’s been reported is they were worried about the flexibility issues that would create by giving him the contract that he wants for the number of years. If you’re concerned with that and then you turn around and take on Zack LaVine, that would be strange decision-making.”

Lane further warned the team about the consequences of the LaVine trade turning into a failure. He continued, “If you are trading for Zach LaVine, the ability to get out of that contract if it doesn’t work out will be minuscule.” While Trevor Lane listed out the practical reasons not to pursue LaVine, there are other reasons for Steve Ballmer not pursuing the Bulls star.

What are Steve Ballmer’s other causes for concern after Paul George’s trade?

The LA Clippers have been infamously associated with words like “curse” and “bad luck” for a long time. When Steve Ballmer took over the ownership in 2014, fans expected the franchise to have a fresh start. Unfortunately, that didn’t seem to be the case. During the last few years, Ballmer roped in various guards around PG and Kawhi Leonard, but none of them proved to be fruitful. Notably, the team roped in John Wall, Russell Westbrook, and Reggie Jackson to strengthen the backcourt, but none of them worked out.

However, recently, the James Harden trade did work for the side. It helped them stay afloat at the top of the Western Conference throughout the regular season. Nevertheless, this time Paul George himself left the side. These past traumas would definitely impact Ballmer in the decision to rope in Zach LaVine.

On the other hand, LaVine has shared a cryptic message on his X handle amid his trade rumors. The star wrote, “Stay present [padlock emoji] in,” July 10th, triggering another wave of trade speculations. Importantly, the Bulls have already lost their veteran star DeMar DeRozan in the off-season. So, it’s less likely to witness another blockbuster trade out of the Chicago team anytime soon.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.