Everyone knows that the relationship between Zach LaVine and the Sacramento Kings is coming to an end. Unless a great trade lands in their lap, the Kings would be smart to simply let his contract run its course. A mid-season buyout makes no sense when there are no real benefits for Sacramento.
The Kings are locked in on a rebuild that is making them younger, faster, and more focused on defense. As such, it became apparent rather quickly after Scott Perry took over as general manager that LaVine no longer fit the team. To be fair, the previous front office didn't have a plan for him either.
Fans know LaVine is leaving the team, but how that will happen is up for debate. His rather expensive contract has made him difficult to trade and even tougher to buy out. At this point, the path of least resistance for the Kings seems to be just letting the contract run its course and move on from there.
Sacramento should let LaVine ride for 2026-2027
On an episode of The Hoop Collective, Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon discussed the possibility of a mid-season buyout for LaVine. Their logic is that the Kings need to move on from LaVine and this would get it done. They're not technically wrong, but it would accomplish little for the Kings.
Assuming the Kings waive LaVine at the trade deadline in February 2027, that leaves them holding the bag for roughly $20 million that they owe him. Because LaVine is on an expiring contract this season, the Kings cannot stretch that salary. They still have to pay him out fully in 2026-2027.
Sure, buying him out would open a main roster spot, but the Kings won't have the salary cap to bring someone else in. They'll still be paying LaVine. Sacramento doesn't need to buy him out to give young players minutes, either. They can literally just bench LaVine, and let the rookies play more.
There's also the fact that the main potential free agent targets for Perry seem to be Jonathan Kuminga and Jalen Duren. Assuming they don't work a trade out and either of these guys are available, it won't be until the 2027 offseason. Paying LaVine to go home months earlier doesn't help at all.
This LaVine move makes sense in one scenario
The only reason to buy out LaVine mid-season is because the Kings are planning on making a postseason push, and need room for someone to help. That only works if Sacramento has the salary cap to bring in a new player at that point, which they don't in any scenario.
On top of that, the Kings are not going to be close to playoff contention this season. Most projections have them winning 19 to 21.5 games. Even if they miraculously exceed those projections by 50%, Sacramento is not making the NBA Playoffs in 2026-2027 or any time soon.
In reality, buying LaVine out mid-season provides no financial or roster management benefits for the Kings. They are better off just working with LaVine this season, using his veteran presence to take pressure of rookies and sophomores while they get up to NBA speed.
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