As the Kings get closer and closer to their rebuild and the start of NBA trade season on December 15, the likely end of Zach LaVine’s tenure on the Kings draws near. He has a player option coming up in 2026-2027 that he may not take if the situation in Sacramento doesn’t improve.
LaVine joined the Sacramento Kings as part of the three-team trade that sent De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs. That literally happened earlier this year, and he hasn’t even played a full season with the team yet. It’s been an incredibly short tenure that could come to an end soon.
The last year of LaVine’s contract is a player option. That means LaVine has the choice to continue playing for the Kings or explore free agency after this season. Honestly, it could go either way, though it would be better for Sacramento if he chooses to leave.
Why LaVine might stay with the Kings
The current contract LaVine is under was inherited by the Kings when they got him from the Chicago Bulls. It is a five-year deal worth around $215 million. He’s getting paid $47,499,660.00 this season and $48,967,380 next season, and is the highest-paid player on the roster.
The problem that Sacramento is going to run into when looking at trades is that no one, except for possibly the Bucks, wants to pay LaVine that kind of money. Only the Kings and the Warriors were interested when the Bulls shopped him around last season, and the Warriors have Jimmy Butler now.
LaVine and his representation are likely aware of that reality. As such, many expect him to stay with the Kings to collect another big paycheck before becoming a UFA and having to take a major pay cut to find a roster spot. That being said, there’s an equally good chance he might leave soon.
Why LaVine might leave the Kings
At this point, LaVine is 30 years old and is in his 11th season in the league. He’s a two-time All-Star and a two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion. That being said, he’s never really found himself on the roster of a true contender and has never been close to an NBA Championship.
For the Kings to make a deep playoff run, they have to push a full rebuild through, and that means LaVine has to go. They can’t make it work while buried under his massive contract. He has to know that there is little interest in Sactown in keeping him beyond the end of said contract.
He also has to know that he’s not winning a championship with the Kings. If Zach wants a title, he’s going to have to find a new roster. Whether he takes his player option, gets traded, or waits out his contract, LaVine’s days as a Sacramento King are numbered.