The Sacramento Kings have a number of important decisions to make in the near future. One of those decisions involves Zach LaVine's future with the team. Will the Kings attempt to sign LaVine to a long-term extension?
LaVine will make around $47 million this season and has a player option worth just under $49 million for next season. He will also be eligible for an extension, something that recently drew intriguing analysis from NBA insider Sam Amick, via The Zach Lowe Show.
"No, I think that's a hard no," Amick said of a potential Kings-LaVine long-term contract extension coming to fruition. "That was a hard no kind of on day one when the Kings had their front office overhaul... One of the more unique situations, I don't know that we've ever had a GM get hired and then immediately have to face some stuff in the media when he did ESPN work.
"Scott Perry was on record analyzing Zach LaVine as a player... To his credit, he's cleaned it up... What he said at the time, and I'm going to paraphrase, was that Zach LaVine, at the type of money that he's been making for quite a while, is just not enough of a winning player... Little did he know that he was going to get hired by the Kings and Zach would be on the roster."
Zach LaVine's future with the Kings
Amick went on to mention that the comments have since been discussed and they don't seem to be causing too much lingering tension. Still, Perry's comments could factor into Sacramento's decision when it comes to offering LaVine a contract extension. Unless he's changed his mind, one has to wonder if Perry would even entertain the idea.
Additionally, Sacramento may need to rebuild sooner rather than later. The Kings' LaVine, Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan-led roster may not be enough to lead them to a championship. Sacramento is a play-in team and possibly even a playoff squad, but the chances of them seriously competing for a deep postseason run in the Western Conference are slim.
The idea of a LaVine extension goes beyond previous comments and speculation, though. Amick would later add that he has been told that an extension is unlikely to happen.
"I've been told there is no interest in an extension," Amick added.
Lowe agreed, stating that he doesn't believe the Kings will sign LaVine to a contract extension. Barring unforeseen circumstances, it seems as if LaVine could end up moving on from Sacramento sooner rather than later.
Of course, trading his massive contract would prove to be a challenge. As a result, the Kings may end up keeping LaVine throughout the 2025-26 campaign. LaVine will then have a decision to make when it comes to his almost $49 million player option.
His final decision on the contract option may be determined by his performance during the upcoming campaign. If he performs at an All-Star level, LaVine may consider opting out in hopes of landing a long-term deal. If LaVine struggles or is limited by injuries, though, accepting the option may be his best decision.