Bucks Doing Homework on Zach LaVine as They Explore Roster Upgrades Around Giannis
The Milwaukee Bucks are keeping their eyes open when it comes to potential roster upgrades-and one name that’s resurfaced on their radar is Kings guard Zach LaVine. According to league sources, Milwaukee has revisited LaVine’s situation in Sacramento, continuing a line of interest that’s been there in the past. The Bucks are clearly doing their due diligence as they look to build the best possible supporting cast around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
LaVine, a two-time All-Star, remains a fascinating trade piece. He’s still a dynamic scorer with a smooth perimeter game, and he’s averaging 20.6 points per game while shooting nearly 39% from beyond the arc. That kind of offensive production, especially from the wing, is exactly what Milwaukee could use to stretch defenses and take some of the scoring load off Giannis and Damian Lillard.
But there’s a big number hanging over any potential deal: LaVine is owed $47.5 million this season and holds a $48.9 million player option for 2026-27. That’s a hefty price tag, and it’s been a sticking point in trade talks around the league.
NBA insider Marc Stein has noted that LaVine’s market could expand if he were open to declining that option in favor of a longer-term deal with a lower annual salary. For now, though, that’s a hypothetical.
As for Sacramento, the Kings are keeping the door open. They’re still evaluating their direction and how LaVine fits into it.
Internally, there have been questions about his defensive engagement during a rocky start to the season. Sources say GM Scott Perry and head coach Doug Christie have both voiced frustration with LaVine’s effort on that end of the floor.
That’s something to watch, especially if Sacramento decides it’s time to shake things up.
Paul George Thriving as a Playmaker in Philly
In Philadelphia, the Sixers are finding a new wrinkle in their offense-and it’s coming from Paul George. Head coach Nick Nurse has been leaning more and more on George as a point forward, and the early returns have been promising. Over his last three games, George has totaled 13 assists, showing off his ability to initiate the offense and create for others.
“I’m comfortable with the ball,” George said. “It’s about trusting my body and gaining confidence on the floor. I’m just adding to that confidence and building toward the season.”
This shift in role has helped the Sixers diversify their playmaking, giving them another creator who can take pressure off the backcourt and help stabilize the rotation. With George bringing the ball up and facilitating, it opens up more off-ball opportunities for other scorers and helps the Sixers stay fluid in the half court.
Danny Wolf Impressing for the Nets; Egor Demin Struggling to Stick
In Brooklyn, rookie big man Danny Wolf is making the most of his minutes. On Friday, he dropped 17 points and pulled down seven rebounds in a loss to Dallas, continuing what’s been a strong stretch of play. Over his last six games, Wolf is averaging 13.5 points-and it’s clear that his recent G League stint with Long Island has paid dividends.
“When he had the opportunity to play with Long Island, he took advantage of his minutes,” said head coach Jordi Fernandez. “Now that he’s in the rotation, he’s taking advantage of his minutes. He’s a special player because at his size he can do so many different things.”
Wolf’s versatility is what stands out. He’s got size, but he’s not just a traditional big. He can stretch the floor, handle the ball in spots, and make smart reads-traits that are increasingly valuable in today’s NBA.
Meanwhile, fellow rookie Egor Demin is going through a tougher stretch. His minutes were limited late in the game against Dallas, and Fernandez didn’t hold back in his postgame remarks.
“He was trying to fix mistakes by trying to make things happen,” Fernandez said. “That’s not how the team needs him to play. He’s got to be better, otherwise the minutes are going to go down.”
It’s a learning curve for Demin, who’s shown flashes but is still figuring out how to impact the game without forcing the issue. For now, it’s Wolf who’s carving out a role in Brooklyn’s rotation-and doing it with confidence.