DHJ Quick Take
- Contract Certainty: Zach LaVine is expected to exercise his player option for the 2026-27 season, ensuring he remains under his current lucrative deal for at least one more year.
- Trade Candidate: Despite the opt-in, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reports that the Sacramento Kings consider LaVine a primary trade candidate and are expected to explore moving him this offseason after listening to offers before the February deadline.
- Injury & Context: LaVine’s trade value remains a question mark as he recently underwent season-ending surgery on his right hand; however, the 2026-27 season will be the final year of his contract, which may make him a more attractive “expiring” asset for potential suitors.
Sacramento Kings shooting guard Zach LaVine is expected to pick up his $49 million player option for next season, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Scotto reports that the Kings could trade LaVine this offseason.
LaVine played in just 39 games for the Kings this season before undergoing season-ending surgery on a tendon injury in his right hand. The 31-year-old averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per contest while shooting 47.9% from the field, 39.0% from beyond the arc and 88.0% from the free-throw line.
Sacramento attempted to trade LaVine at this year’s trade deadline but couldn’t find a deal. LaVine was linked to the Milwaukee Bucks.
A UCLA product and two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, LaVine holds career averages of 20.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls and Kings. Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group represents the two-time All-Star, who doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
LaVine is better suited to play for a contending team at this stage of his career. The Kings are one of the worst teams in the NBA. They are in deep, deep rebuild mode and should trade LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk this offseason.
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