This season could be a chance for redemption for Zach LaVine as a member of the Sacramento Kings. Even if it goes well for him, the Kings will still have to let him walk into free agency. He has become a lightning rod for all of their fans' dissatisfaction with last season, and needs to move on.
Sacramento's rebuild is being hampered by two large contracts. Specifically, the nearly $100 million going to LaVine and Domantas Sabonis this season. There are definitely more expensive contracts in the league, but these two are still in the way of the Kings making bigger roster moves.
There's also the optics of the situation. As a general rule, Sactown fans still have a lot of love for Sabonis. He might not be the best defender, but he remains a highly respected big man across the league when he's healthy. Last season was rough on him from an injury perspective.
Fans feel a bit different about LaVine. Whether it's accurate or not, he seems to be the face of everything that went wrong with the Kings last season. There are many of the Sactown faithful who want to see LaVine gone from the team, whether it's by trade or through free agency.
Moving forward with LaVine will be nearly impossible for the Kings
For this rebuild process to work, the Kings absolutely need the unwavering support of their fan base. It's safe to say that Sacramento fans are some of the most loyal in the league, sticking by their team's side through basically two decades of being in the NBA's basement.
Unfortunately, their dissatisfaction with LaVine might actually rival that, which is something the front office needs to pay attention to. If this season goes better than last for LaVine on the court, the Kings may be tempted to try and keep him past the end of his contract. That's a dangerous choice.
Fans have been clear that they are ready to move on from LaVine. If the Kings decide to keep him, that could cause a rift between the franchise and its supporters. Even if LaVine finds his rhythm, losing fan support could be the death knell for the rebuild the Kings are attempting.
It's unlikely that the Kings are planning on keeping LaVine around, or that he wants to stay in Sacramento. But maintaining fan support is just one more reason why this relationship has to end. It will help provide both the Kings and LaVine with a fresh start in the NBA.
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