Zach LaVine’s Future in Sacramento Looks Shaky as Trade Rumors Intensify
Zach LaVine’s time in Sacramento might be running on borrowed time. According to recent league chatter, there’s growing belief that teams could show real interest in trading for the Kings guard-but only if he’s willing to decline his $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season and sign a longer-term deal at a lower annual price tag.
That’s a big “if,” but it’s not out of the question. LaVine is making $47.5 million this season, and while his scoring numbers remain solid-20.7 points per game on 49.1% shooting, including 37.8% from three and 85.5% from the line-there’s a sense around the league that his current contract outweighs his on-court impact, especially on the defensive end.
And that’s where things get complicated in Sacramento.
Sources say Kings general manager Scott Perry is actively looking to move LaVine, with frustration mounting over his defensive effort and overall focus. Head coach Doug Christie reportedly shares that sentiment. The Kings, sitting at a rough 5-16 on the season, are struggling on both ends, but defensively, they’ve been especially porous-and internally, LaVine is being pointed to as a major factor.
This isn’t just a case of a team underperforming. Perry, who took over the Kings' front office this offseason, was reportedly never sold on LaVine’s fit in the first place.
The guard arrived in Sacramento last season as part of a three-team deal that sent De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs, and while the move was meant to reshape the Kings’ identity, it hasn’t panned out. Now, with the team near the bottom of the league in points allowed per game, the pressure is on to pivot-fast.
LaVine, a two-time All-Star, has had a solid career statistically. Across stints with the Timberwolves, Bulls, and Kings, he’s averaged 20.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
But postseason success has eluded him. He’s made just one playoff appearance, back in 2022 with Chicago, where the Bulls were bounced in five games by the Bucks.
That lack of playoff pedigree, combined with a hefty contract and questions about his defensive commitment, makes LaVine a complicated trade asset. Still, there are teams doing their homework.
The Milwaukee Bucks, for one, have reportedly conducted background research on the 30-year-old guard. Whether that translates into a real offer remains to be seen, but it’s clear that LaVine’s name is circulating among front offices.
With the February trade deadline looming, Sacramento appears ready to hit the reset button. Multiple reports indicate the Kings are looking to rebuild by moving on from veteran pieces-and LaVine is at the top of that list.
The question now is whether any team sees enough value in LaVine’s offensive skill set to take on his contract-or if he’s willing to bet on himself by opting out and signing a more team-friendly deal. Either way, it’s becoming increasingly likely that his time in Sacramento is nearing its end.