NBA Rumors: Clippers reportedly not considering signing Bulls star guard as Russell Westbrook replacement

The offseason period has been tough on the Clippers, with Los Angeles losing two key pieces on their core, possibly closing their championship window with Kawhi Leonard leading the way.

The LA Clippers have already lost Paul George in free agency to the Philadelphia 76ers, after electing not to trade him during talks with the Golden State Warriors. The team also moved on from Russell Westbrook, leaving them with James Harden and Leonard leading the way in 2024.

With the LA Clippers eying a third star, the team has been rumored to be interested in Chicago Bulls star Zach Lavine. Chicago has been working all season to move on from Lavine, with the offseason looking like their best chance to part ways.

Following Westbrook's departure, the LA Clippers reportedly shut down any Lavine rumors, with reports indicating that the interest was one-sided and not coming from the franchise's side.

The Clippers appear to be Chicago's last option for unloading Lavine's $43 million deal, but a deal between the two sides seems to be a longshot for now.

Clippers lost Paul George after offering him less than Kawhi Leonard

In one of the NBA's headlining moves so far this offseason, George signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a four-year, $212 million max contract.

The signing followed a long negotiating period between George and the LA Clippers, who initially offered the nine-time All-Star a two-year, $60 million deal. George considered that offer "disrespectful".

Weeks earlier, the Clippers were reportedly in talks with the Warriors about a potential trade, but those talks broke down due to Golden State's hesitance to move off of Jonathan Kuminga.

Following trade talks falling through with the Warriors, George opted out of his player option after the LA Clippers had already extended Leonard and Harden. Leonard received a three-year, $150 million deal, while Harden accepted a two-year, $70 million deal, keeping both players in Los Angeles.

The team's decision to offer George less money could be considered questionable, especially when factoring in that George has played in 34 more games than Leonard in their five seasons together in Los Angeles.

Do you think the LA Clippers should look to sign Zach LaVine from the Chicago Bulls? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.