The Sacramento Kings are facing a tough road ahead after losing Zach LaVine to a season-ending injury. LaVine, who underwent surgery to repair a tendon in his right pinky, was also a potential trade candidate, but with this setback, his future with the team remains uncertain.
LaVine's contract situation adds another layer to the complexity. He’s in the final season of a hefty five-year, $215.1 million deal, with a player option worth $48.9 million for the next season.
The Kings have signaled they want to maintain financial flexibility, making a buyout unlikely at this point. If they’re going to pay him $49 million, keeping him around to mentor younger players might be the smarter move.
Adding to their woes, Domantas Sabonis is also out for the season after undergoing knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. With both Sabonis and LaVine sidelined, the Kings' lineup looks drastically different as they head into the All-Star break.
Currently sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 12-44 record, the Kings have the fewest wins in the NBA. This season has been a challenging one, and the loss of their key players only compounds the difficulties. As they look to the future, the focus may well shift to developing young talent and planning for the seasons ahead.