The NBA trade market is already starting to bubble, and one name is rising to the top of the rumor mill: Zach LaVine. The Sacramento Kings have stumbled out of the gate to a 5-16 start, and with the season barely a month old, rival teams are keeping a close eye on how the franchise handles its star guard - especially with the future in mind.
LaVine, a two-time All-Star and one of the league’s premier scoring guards, has a player option for the 2026-27 season worth just shy of $50 million. That’s a hefty number, and it’s also a key piece in what could make LaVine one of the most intriguing trade chips in the league this year.
Here’s where things get interesting: according to insider reporting, if LaVine is open to declining that option and instead agreeing to a longer-term deal with a lower annual salary, the trade landscape could shift dramatically. Multiple teams could emerge as viable suitors - not just because of his talent, but because of what that kind of financial flexibility would mean for roster-building.
This isn’t just about dollars and cents. It’s about how LaVine fits into a team’s long-term vision.
He’s a proven scorer, a dynamic athlete, and someone who can carry an offense for stretches. But he also comes with a price tag that forces front offices to think hard about cap space, future extensions, and roster construction.
Zach LaVine throws down the transition slam 💪 pic.twitter.com/WyPGnR5eg2
— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) December 1, 2025
If LaVine signals that he’s willing to work with a team on a more manageable long-term deal, the floodgates could open.
There’s also been some chatter around DeMar DeRozan, whose contract for next season is only partially guaranteed. While the spotlight is clearly on LaVine for now, DeRozan could become part of the trade conversation if the Kings decide to fully pivot and reshuffle their core.
Make no mistake - Sacramento’s front office is under pressure. A 5-16 record isn’t what this team envisioned, especially with the talent on the roster.
Moving a player like LaVine isn’t a decision you make lightly. He’s the face of the franchise, a player who has delivered big moments and big numbers.
But if the Kings are looking to reset the timeline or retool around a different core, trading LaVine could be the kind of move that opens up cap space, brings in draft assets, or nets younger talent.
Of course, any deal involving LaVine won’t come easy. His value is high, and any team looking to acquire him will need to weigh not just what he brings on the court, but what he costs - now and in the future.
That’s where the player option becomes a sticking point. If LaVine is flexible, teams will listen.
If not, it could be a tougher sell.
Right now, we’re still in the early stages of what could become one of the season’s defining trade sagas. But with the Kings struggling and LaVine’s contract situation creating a unique window of opportunity, don’t be surprised if his name continues to dominate headlines as contenders start to make their moves.