It's become crystal clear that the relationship between Zach LaVine and the Sacramento Kings will come to an end as quickly as possible. LaVine has stated that his next goal is to win a championship. The Kings might get there someday, but not on anything close to his timeline.
LaVine was traded to the Kings on February 3, 2025, as part of the three-team deal that sent De'Aaron Fox to San Antonio. Unfortunately for him, he joined Sacramento during one of the most tumultuous periods the franchise has experienced since moving to the West Coast in 1985.
The front office that signed both him and DeMar DeRozan didn't really seem to have a plan for how to use either of them. As such, their time with the Kings was disappointing at best. DeRozan has now moved on, recently being waived by Sacramento and signing with the Denver Nuggets.
On the other side of the coin, LaVine has one season left on his very expensive contract with the Kings. The approximately $49 million that one season is worth has made it all but impossible to trade him. As such, he's likely to play out his contract in Sactown, then become a free agent in 2027.
Don't expect LaVine to hang around
Recent reports seem to indicate that LaVine is ready to get on board with head coach Doug Christie's vision this season. That makes sense since he needs to have a good showing if he wants to find a spot on a legit contender after his time with the Kings has come to an end.
LaVine has openly stated that he wants to win a title before his career is over. The problem is that he's 31-years-old with 12 seasons under his belt. That means the number of teams, particularly contenders, willing to sign him is decreasing rapidly. He needs to find that team as soon as possible.
Sacramento is in the midst of a rebuild process that will hopefully turn them into contenders down the road. The reality is that process will take years, assuming it even works out. LaVine likely has eight years left in his career at best. He can't wait for the Kings to get it together.
More than that, LaVine might not be the right fit for the rebuild. The Kings are going young with a strong defensive focus, two qualities he doesn't really have. Plus, the Kings have way too many shooting guards. LaVine could still be an impressive contributor, just not to this specific team.
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