During a recent Sacramento Kings road trip to Chicago, the Bulls took the time to honor their former player, Zach LaVine. He made comments that imply he's still unhappy about being traded to Sacramento, which doesn't bode well for his future with the franchise.
LaVine was originally drafted 13th in 2014 by the Minnesota Timberwolves. He played there for three seasons until he moved to Chicago in 2017. Up until the three-team trade that sent him to Sacramento in early 2025, the Bulls were his team, and Chicago was his home.
Over the several seasons he spent there, LaVine built a reputation as a strong shooter and highly effective offensive threat. But the Bulls front office seemed incapable of building anything around him. Now, he's on the Kings, and is in a very similar, albeit worse, situation.
Since LaVine's departure, the Bulls have found new life with Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Matas Buzelis leading the charge. Even Kevin Huerter, who went to Chicago as part of the same trade that sent LaVine to Sacramento, has found success on the Bulls.
Zach LaVine is home sick
The Kings lost to Chicago in their only visit to the Windy City this season, which was also LaVine's first time back in town as a King. He was extremely nostalgic about his life there, talking about how much he loved the city and loved playing there, even though it wasn't always easy.
"I know I did a lot of good in Chicago. I just wish I could have won more here."Zach LaVine
It's definitely fair that he feels that way, as he spent the bulk of his career to date as a Bull, and has only been with the Kings for under a year. At the same time, it could be a little concerning for the Kings' front office to hear that, considering he has a player option coming up next season.
Keeping in mind that LaVine is one of the top scorers in the league, he also has a massive contract that eats up a huge chunk of the Kings' salary cap. it does limit the number of moves they can make to flesh out a limited roster that needs to be rebalanced desperately.
LaVine will always give 110% to whatever team he's on, but he didn't want the trade and is likely looking for what's next. And who can blame him? The Kings are off to a one and four start while his former team is undefeated. Given where the Kings and LaVine are at, it might be time to move on.