Zach LaVine (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls All-Star guard Zach LaVine has been one of the top names mentioned in trade rumors this offseason, and perhaps it’s only a matter of time until general manager Marc Eversley finally makes the move.

Zach LaVine has been a dynamic scorer and playmaker for the Bulls since being acquired in the Jimmy Butler blockbuster trade seven years ago. But the two-time All-Star should be open to a change of scenery with Bulls nowhere close to contention.

The Bulls have been heavily criticized (and rightfully so) for refusing to begin a full-scale rebuild. Ownership and the front office have merely been content to compete for a play-in berth, and nothing more.

Well, Chicago got off to a good start by dealing veteran All-Star DeMar DeRozan to the Sacramento Kings. If they trade Nikola Vučević and Zach LaVine, the Bulls will finally open the door to the long overdue scorched-earth rebuild.

Shervon Fakhimi of ClutchPoints proposed a blockbuster trade idea in which the Bulls would send LaVine and two second-round picks to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Norman Powell, Amir Coffey, PJ Tucker and Bones Hyland:

“They didn’t sign quality defenders like Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn to fall to the bottom of the league. With them opening a brand new arena, they’re going to want remain somewhat competitive.

The Clippers would do that by making this trade for LaVine. He is a flawed player but he can help keep them afloat after George’s exit in free agency. They wouldn’t give up a whole lot to get him either. Hopefully, those other additions the Clippers made can cover for him defensively…

If the Bulls are serious about a rebuild, which they should, they’ve got to get off of LaVine. He’s too good of a player to keep around in this scenario and his contract is more than cumbersome. Getting off of it by any means that don’t include trading a first-round pick would be a home run for the Bulls. This deal would accomplish that and then some.”

The Clippers were dealt a giant blow when perennial All-Star Paul George left for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency. But acquiring the star guard would reduce some of the damage and give LA a new “big three” in Zach LaVine, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.

Last season, Zach LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game in the 25 contests he was limited to.

Zach LaVine Is What The Clippers Need

Los Angeles doesn’t have the assets to acquire a more impactful star like Kevin Durant or Jimmy Butler. Though LaVine’s contract is a problem, it’s a risk the Clippers have to take if they want to remain competitive for the rest of Leonard’s prime years.

It makes perfect sense for the Clippers to roll the dice on LaVine, who just might help them stay competitive in a tight Western Conference despite losing George to Philly.