Trapped by a massive $49 million salary, Sacramento searches for a viable exit. Discover which rebuilding franchises could finally absorb the veteran guard to spark a youth movement.
Zach LaVine’s future with the Sacramento Kings has been the biggest question hanging over the franchise that is struggling to move off his $49 million salary.
Sacramento is reportedly against buying him out to shed his large cap hit and open a roster spot. That only leaves a trade on the table for the end of his Kings tenure.
They acquired LaVine when they traded De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs. Swapping salaries worked in that instance, but few teams have large contracts to offer.
Sacramento’s problem is finding a team willing to take on LaVine’s contract without asking for valuable draft capital in return.
Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale highlighted teams that could trade for the high-scoring guard. He noted crowded rotations that could make young players available, furthering Sacramento’s efforts to become younger.
Washington Wizards
Favale mentions the Wizards. They have several young players, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington and Cam Whitmore, who give Sacramento a defender, backup guard and athletic scorer.
Washington drafted AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick, creating a youth logjam. He is likely the franchise cornerstone, and his development will be prioritized for the next several seasons.
The 6-foot-9 wing thrives with the ball in his hands. Coach Kevin Young employed a pro-style offense that helped Dybantsa get a feel for what the next level is like.
The Wizards traded for Anthony Davis and Trae Young last season. They quietly have the makings of a competitive team, which could lead to parting with young talent for a win-now contributor.
Sacramento would benefit from acquiring a few of the young players on Washington's roster, but LaVine would likely stunt Dybantsa’s growth. Davis, Young, LaVine and Dybantsa would be too many cooks in the kitchen.
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland has a logjam at the guard position with Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Ja Morant and Scott Henderson.
Lillard is a franchise legend who has his most memorable moments in a Blazers jersey. He took them to the Western Conference Finals before the Golden State Warriors swept them.
The team recently traded for Morant on a bargain, giving up no picks for the injured superstar. Morant has two years remaining on his five-year, $197 million rookie extension, and seeing the package he was dealt for, Portland is not trading him anytime soon.
Holiday ($34 million) and Henderson ($13 million) would be the odd men out of the overcrowded rotation. Both are in the last year of their contracts, meaning if the Blazers traded with the Kings, they would be swapping expirings.
That sounds good, but Portland would have to bring one of Lillard, Morant or LaVine off the bench, which is a disaster waiting to happen.
Phoenix Suns
Phoenix has a player option situation of its own next offseason with Jalen Green's $36 million salary. Green and LaVine are similar players, thriving with the ball in their hands in isolation scenarios against defenders.
The 24-year-old averaged 17.8 points on 16 shots in the regular season, and it increased to 21.8 points on 20.6 shots in the playoffs.
Sacramento does get younger with Green, but would have to pry Mark Williams or Collin Gillespie off its suitors' roster. Phoenix extended both young players this offseason, giving them a de facto trade restriction that lifts on Jan. 15, 2027.
