Zach LaVine Trade Watch: Kings May Be Ready to Hit Reset - and the Bucks Are Circling
The Sacramento Kings are staring down the barrel of a tough season, and it looks like big changes could be on the horizon. After a brutal 7-22 start, the team is reportedly considering moving on from veteran guard Zach LaVine - and the Milwaukee Bucks are keeping a close eye on the situation.
Let’s unpack what’s happening in Sacramento, why LaVine might be on the move, and what a potential trade could mean for both the Kings and the Bucks.
Kings Struggling to Find Their Identity
Sacramento came into the season with playoff hopes, but things have unraveled fast. As of Monday, they’re tied with the New Orleans Pelicans for the worst record in the Western Conference.
The numbers back up the eye test - this team has been a mess defensively. They rank 26th in the league in points allowed per game (122.0) and sit fourth-worst in defensive rating (118.8).
That’s not just bad - it’s franchise-altering bad. And when the defense is falling apart, someone’s going to take the heat.
According to reports, Kings GM Scott Perry is pointing the finger at LaVine. The veteran guard is in the first year of a hefty $47 million salary, and Perry - who reportedly wasn’t sold on LaVine’s game even before taking the GM job - is said to be frustrated with his defensive effort. Internally, LaVine is being viewed as a key reason for Sacramento’s defensive collapse.
LaVine’s Production vs. His Impact
On paper, LaVine’s offensive numbers are solid. Through 23 games this season, he’s averaging 20.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting an efficient 48.7% from the field and 38.5% from deep. That’s the kind of scoring punch most teams would love to have - especially one looking to make a playoff push.
But the problem isn’t what LaVine does with the ball - it’s what happens when he doesn’t have it. His defensive lapses have been a consistent issue throughout his career, and in a Kings system that’s already struggling to stop anyone, it’s becoming impossible to ignore.
LaVine is currently sidelined with a knee injury and is expected to be re-evaluated in a week. But even while he’s off the court, the trade buzz around him is heating up.
Bucks Showing Interest - and for Good Reason
Enter the Milwaukee Bucks. They’ve had their own rocky start this season, sitting at 11-18 and outside the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. The urgency is real in Milwaukee, especially with Giannis Antetokounmpo continuing to push the front office to keep the team in contention.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Bucks are actively monitoring LaVine’s situation in Sacramento and have done their homework on what a deal might look like. Milwaukee is reportedly in the market for a "difference-maker" - and LaVine fits that mold offensively.
For the Bucks, the appeal is obvious. They need another scorer who can create his own shot and take pressure off Giannis.
LaVine’s ability to stretch the floor, attack off the dribble, and play in transition would give Milwaukee a dynamic weapon on the perimeter. The question is whether they’re willing - or able - to match Sacramento’s asking price.
What Would Sacramento Want in Return?
If the Kings are indeed looking to hit the reset button, they’ll likely be after young talent and future assets in any LaVine deal. With rumors swirling about a potential teardown involving LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento could be eyeing a full-scale rebuild.
That means the Kings won’t be interested in just clearing cap space - they’ll want pieces that can help lay the foundation for the next era of Kings basketball. Whether Milwaukee can put together a compelling enough package remains to be seen, but the interest is real.
What’s Next?
LaVine’s trade situation is one to watch closely as the season progresses. With the Kings floundering and the Bucks desperate to right the ship, the groundwork is there for a deal that could shake up both conferences.
For Sacramento, it might be time to pivot toward the future. For Milwaukee, it’s about salvaging the present.
Either way, Zach LaVine’s name is going to keep popping up in trade talks - and with the deadline creeping closer, the clock is ticking.