Recent reports have indicated that Zach LaVine is completely invested in the Sacramento Kings' plan. Is that the one to rebuild the team? Or the one where he plays so well that he's a lot easier to trade at the upcoming deadline? Either way, it works out well for both LaVine and the Kings in the long run.
The latest on @lockedonkings -- Source: Kings and Zach LaVine aligned, NO BUYOUT talks on the horizon https://t.co/9cgG4r0qpB pic.twitter.com/BSKajxWYvr
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) August 3, 2026
As expected, the Kings have basically shut down the idea of buying out LaVine. With nearly $49 million left on his contract, buying him out would still cost Sacramento a huge amount of money and severely limit their ability to sign a new player until next season. There's not a lot of immediate upside.
Realistically, Sacramento is better off standing pat and waiting out the remainder of his contract. It's done at the end of this season. While they might not be able to trade him for anyone or anything, it would open up some major salary cap space to make some serious free agency moves.
There's also the possibility that LaVine plays well enough that he garners trade interest before the trade deadline. At that point, his contract would have a lot less money on it, as well as only a few months. The question now is which option LaVine is personally aiming for at this point.
LaVine is on board with whatever the Kings are planning
Based on current reports online, it seems like LaVine is good with the Kings' plans not to buy him out. Whatever the current conversations are behind the scenes in Sacramento, it honestly seems like the Kings and LaVine are on the same page. Fans just don't know what that page is.
It could be that LaVine has taken a look at the rebuild and decided that he could contribute. At the same time, he might also be good with the idea of taking his game more seriously this season and trying to get traded. There's also a third option in this situation that more people should talk about.
If this season goes well and LaVine actually finds a place in the rebuild, he might want to hang around. A new contract with Sacramento would be for significantly less money, but the same will be true no matter what team he ends up with. If his shooting picks up, that could be good for the Kings.
Look, we all know what the most likely options are in this situation, but only LaVine and the front office know exactly what the plan is. All that matters is that they all find a better rhythm together this season. If the Kings want more wins in 2026-2027, he needs to be all in and on point.
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