The Kings appear set to keep two of their biggest names in place as they try to bounce back from a brutal 22-60 season.
General manager Scott Perry said Wednesday that he expects both Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis to remain part of Sacramento’s plans, with LaVine already locked in after opting into his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 NBA season, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported, citing Rich Paul of Klutch Sports.
Perry made it clear he believes LaVine will be back on the floor for the Kings this season.
“Zach and I have been in communication since the season was over,” Perry said. “We have a very good relationship and good understanding.
Zach is still an excellent basketball player. He knows what’s expected of him.
He’s coming back here this year. I’m very clear with him on that.
He’ll be the first to tell you that.
“And I think he’s ready to come back and embrace that and perform to the best of his abilities this year. We can use a lot of the things that Zach LaVine is able to do on the basketball field, so I’m looking forward to him taking a step forward with us this year and how we want to play the game.”
Sabonis, who had been mentioned in trade chatter with the Charlotte Hornets, also sounds like a key piece in Sacramento’s rebuild. Perry said he has stayed in contact with the three-time NBA All-Star center and expects him to arrive healthy and ready to lead.
“Come in and compete just like everybody else,” Perry told reporters. “Obviously, he’s an excellent player.
He’s done it for a while in this league. I’ve been in constant contact with him as well in the offseason.
Just expect him to come in here healthy, first and foremost, and he’s trending in that direction.
“Obviously, he missed a lot of last year because he was not. He’s always played hard, and so I expect him to do that. Provide some veteran presence for this team and really have a tremendous rebound year and help us build some winning habits here and start heading in the right direction.”
Both players were limited by season-ending injuries last year and missed a combined 106 games. Sabonis played in 19 games, averaging 15.8 points and 11.4 rebounds. LaVine appeared in 39 contests and put up 19.2 points per game while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 39 percent from 3-point range.
With LaVine and Sabonis trending toward full health, Sacramento has reason to believe it can take a real step forward. Rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. is also expected to have a significant role, and the Kings have added a few other role players to the mix as they try to turn the page.
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Westbrook is a free agent again after spending last season on a minimum contract, and his level of play still makes him an interesting fit for a team looking for backcourt help. But Sacramentos cap reality has been a recurring theme, and with trade chatter still swirling around the roster, Perrys tone suggested the Kings are balancing respect for Westbrooks resume with the limits of what they can realistically put on the table. [Read more 🡒]