Zach LaVine’s decision to exercise his $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season secured his contract with the Sacramento Kings, but it did not secure his long-term place with the franchise. According to Kings insider James Ham, Sacramento has been transparent with the veteran guard that his future remains uncertain as the organization continues its rebuild.
Ham said the Kings informed LaVine that “all bets are off” after opting into the final year of his contract, emphasizing that the organization must make business decisions regarding its roster. Ham also suggested a buyout should happen sooner rather than later if that route is ultimately chosen, though he added the Kings have not made meaningful progress toward such an agreement.
Those comments align with previous reporting from Jake Fischer, who stated Sacramento has no current intention of buying out LaVine despite his sizable expiring contract. Instead, the Kings appear content to keep him on the roster while exploring potential trade opportunities during the season.
LaVine remains one of Sacramento’s most productive offensive players when healthy. In 39 games during the 2025-26 campaign, the two-time NBA All-Star averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 47.9% from the field, 39.0% from three-point range on 6.5 attempts per game and 88.0% from the free-throw line. His .569 effective field goal percentage ranked among the team’s best marks despite injuries limiting him to fewer than half of the season.
The Kings, however, are entering a dramatically different phase after finishing 22-60, tied with the Utah Jazz for the NBA’s second-worst record and 14th in the Western Conference. General manager Scott Perry has prioritized financial flexibility and younger talent following the disappointing season.
One of Sacramento’s biggest offseason moves was waiving six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan after failing to find a trade partner. The decision removed most of DeRozan’s $25.7 million salary from the payroll and created additional cap flexibility below the first apron.
The franchise also added several young prospects during the 2026 NBA Draft, selecting Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff Jr. with the No. 7 overall pick before acquiring forward Alex Karaban at No. 29 and selecting Houston guard Emanuel Sharp in the second round. Sacramento further strengthened its depth by re-signing Precious Achiuwa to a two-year, $11.5 million contract and signing Daeqwon Plowden to a two-year deal after his breakout campaign.
Within that rebuilding timeline, LaVine’s contract has become one of Sacramento’s most valuable trade assets. The 30-year-old is entering the final season of his deal, giving rival teams the opportunity to acquire an accomplished scorer without taking on long-term salary commitments.
LaVine has averaged 20.7 points over 12 NBA seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls and Kings. He was acquired from Chicago at the 2025 trade deadline and averaged 22.4 points across 32 games after joining Sacramento before posting 19.2 points last season.
