The clock is ticking on Zach LaVine's player option with the Sacramento Kings. While he has yet to say anything definite, change is in the wind. LaVine has reportedly put his Newport Coast mansion on the market, which could mean he expects to be leaving California sooner rather than later.
As the Kings try to chart their course through this rebuild, the biggest obstacles in their path are a pair of veteran contracts. Domantas Sabonis is a huge problem, with two years left worth nearly $95 million. It makes him an unlikely buyout candidate, not to mention a tough trade.
LaVine presents an even more complicated situation. He has one year left on his contract worth about $44 million, though it's not that simple. That year is a player option, one the Kings are still waiting for a decision on. And he doesn't have to tell them what he's doing until June 29.
That's just after the 2026 NBA Draft, which is on June 23 and 24. With the Kings having three picks, that will help define some of the moves they make in free agency and beyond. It will also give them the context of how they're going to handle LaVine's decision when it finally drops.
LaVine may know he's leaving, one way or another
While it is possible that LaVine turns the option down and leaves Sacramento on his own, it's more likely that he takes it. Doing so means his contract is locked in regardless of whether he stays or gets traded. It also means a hefty payday if the Kings decide to buy him out.
Being that LaVine has listed his massive Pelican Crest mansion in Newport Beach, California, it seems like he thinks he might be moving soon. No official announcement has been made, but it's quite possible that conversations have already happened between him and the Kings' front office.
At this point, the most likely scenario is that LaVine takes the option and the Kings buy him out. LaVine gets the payout while Sacramento frees up a massive chunk of salary cap. It's hard to see a trade working out that doesn't perpetuate the payroll problems the Kings are already dealing with.
This is all supposition at this point. There are a number of reasons LaVine could have put his California home up for sale, such as a saltwater crocodile infestation or being too close to Draymond Green. Given the timing, it's hard not to see it as a sign of his inevitable departure from the Kings.
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