{"id":716073,"date":"2026-06-20T19:44:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T19:44:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/716073\/"},"modified":"2026-06-20T19:44:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T19:44:12","slug":"why-a-zach-lavine-trade-to-detroit-is-possible-but-unlikely","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/716073\/","title":{"rendered":"Why a Zach LaVine trade to Detroit is possible, but unlikely"},"content":{"rendered":"

NBA insider Jake Fischer\u2019s report<\/a> linking Zach LaVine to the Detroit Pistons sparked intrigue among Sacramento Kings fans, but a potential trade may be easier to discuss than to complete.<\/p>\n

On the latest edition of Sactown Sports\u2019 The Matt George Podcast<\/a>, Matt George was joined by Locked On Pistons host Ku Khahil<\/a> to break down Fischer\u2019s report that Detroit has interest in LaVine, who is widely expected to exercise his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season.<\/p>\n

According to Fischer, \u201cOther players regarded as potentially available and said to interest Detroit include Charlotte\u2019s Coby White, Oklahoma City\u2019s Isaiah Joe, and possibly even Sacramento\u2019s Zach LaVine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"SACRAMENTO,<\/p>\n

(Photo by Ezra Shaw\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

More on Zach LaVine<\/p>\n

Zach LaVine, who turns 31 next season, averaged 19.2 points while shooting 48 percent from the field and 39 percent from three in an injury-shortened campaign in which he played 39 games.<\/p>\n

Despite the disappointing season, the two-time All-Star has maintained that his focus remains on winning.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere I\u2019m at in my career is, you know, we want to win,\u201d LaVine said during his end-of-season press conference in April. \u201cWe\u2019ll go back and look at everything. Look at all the scenarios.\u201d<\/p>\n

Khahil believes LaVine\u2019s offensive strengths address Detroit\u2019s biggest weakness, but questions remain about whether the fit would translate to winning basketball.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis strengths fill what the Pistons\u2019 weaknesses are,\u201d Khahil said. \u201cHe would definitely help the shot creation, the added shooting and offensive firepower.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"SACRAMENTO,<\/p>\n

Zach Lavine #8 of the Sacramento Kings stands on the court during their game against the Dallas Mavericks at Golden 1 Center on January 06, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

However, Khahil acknowledged concerns that have followed Zach LaVine throughout his career.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a healthy level of skepticism in the Pistons community,\u201d Khahil said. \u201cThere are aspects of his game that you can track from every single stop he\u2019s been at that do contribute to not winning behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n

George agreed that Detroit\u2019s interest makes sense on paper, but questioned whether any team would actually absorb LaVine\u2019s $49 million contract.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t see Zach walking away from that money, and I don\u2019t see a team jumping this offseason to acquire that money,\u201d George said.<\/p>\n

Khahil was even more direct.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would be very shocked if they traded for him on this current contract,\u201d he said. \u201cI can\u2019t imagine there\u2019s a team out there that wants to trade for his contract right now at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Instead, both hosts suggested the most realistic scenario could involve Sacramento keeping LaVine into the season before revisiting trade discussions closer to the February deadline.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think Zach\u2019s picking up his option,\u201d George said. \u201cI think the Kings are going into next year and just going to try and make it work as best as possible, and then hope like hell they can turn him into some sort of value at the trade deadline.\u201d<\/p>\n

With The Athletic\u2019s Sam Amick previously reporting on Sactown Sports that LaVine is expected to exercise his option<\/a>, the Kings may ultimately be forced to navigate another season with the veteran guard before determining their long-term path forward.<\/p>\n

Check out the full episode of The Matt George Podcast<\/a> and share your thoughts in the comments.<\/p>\n

Subscribe to The Matt George Podcast on Sactown Sports<\/p>\n

Subscribe to The Matt George Podcast<\/a> on Apple & Spotify. You can also watch all episodes of The Matt George Podcast on the Sactown Sports YouTube page & sactownsports.com.<\/p>\n

You can also hear Matt on Sactown Sports alongside Kayla Anderson on The Matt & Kayla Show<\/a>, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT.<\/p>\n

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports<\/p>\n

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?<\/p>\n

The Sacramento Kings are preparing for a crucial 2026 NBA Draft, which is set to take place from Tuesday, June 23rd, through Wednesday, June 24th.<\/p>\n

Sacramento owns the 7th pick in the Draft, giving them a chance at selecting a talented player with upside, such as Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr., Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., Houston\u2019s Kingston Flemings, and Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, among others.<\/p>\n

Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports for pre-draft workout news, player breakdowns, draft rumors, and MUCH more.<\/p>\n

Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule<\/p>\n

Tuesday, June 23rd\u00a0\u2013 NBA Draft (Round 1)
\nWednesday, June 24th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Draft (Round 2)
\nTuesday, June 30th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
\nSaturday, July 4th \u2013 Monday, July 6th \u2013 California Classic at Golden 1 Center
\nThursday, July 9th\u00a0\u2013 NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
\nMonday, July 13th\u00a0\u2013 Free Agency moratorium ends \/ signings can become official<\/p>\n

Thank you for reading\u00a0SactownSports.com<\/a>. Follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Google News<\/a>, and subscribe to our\u00a0YouTube<\/a>\u00a0channel.<\/p>\n