The three-team trade that brough Zach LaVine to the Kings and sent De'Aaron Fox to the Spurs was controversial. To be honest, it was mostly controversial in Sacramento and maybe a bit in Chicago.
Fox was drafted by the Kings in 2017 and had played with the team for his entire career up until the trade. There was no indication he even wanted to leave until head coach Mike Brown was fired.
Zach LaVine's time in Sacramento has been incredibly short, and he has played well for the most part. Still, it's hard to see him as a long-term fixture, especially with a player option coming up after this season he should probably exercise.
Zach LaVine and the Kings
At this point, the Kings' focus is, without question, shoot-first, pass rarely, and get out in transition while Sabonis rebounds. As a shooting guard, LaVine fits in perfectly.
He's an impressively prolific shooter who can drain threes or cut through the lane and finish at the hoop. This is a man who can provide a reliable 20+ points per game without breaking a sweat.
At the same time, LaVine isn't always the best passer and has been weak on defense throughout his career. Fortunately for him, the Kings don't seem to care much about those aspects of the game.
LaVine needs to move on
For LaVine to thrive, he needs to ride shotgun with a playmaker who loves to pass. The Kings need someone like that, but don't seem to intent on finding or developing such a competitor.
With a player option coming up after the 2025-2026 season, LaVine should strongly consider moving on. The current incarnation of the Kings are not contenders. Without significant changes to all levels of the organization, they are unlikely to be one anytime soon. And LaVine wants a ring.
It would also work out best for the Kings if LaVine moved on. They have way too many shoot-first guards and need to balance out the roster. Zach heading for greener pastures could help them on that journey.
Given how much his contract is worth, freeing up that salary cap space couldn't hurt, either.