As Dallas eyes a rebuild under Masai Ujiri, Sacramento could swap Zach LaVine’s massive contract for veteran depth like Klay Thompson to bolster their playoff rotation.
With Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine owed nearly $100 million combined this offseason, the Sacramento Kings' front office has to decide if both veterans still fit the franchise's current timeline.
While LaVine's player option and injury history makes him a bit more difficult to move, contending teams would definitely benefit from the two-time All-Star's offensive abilities.
On Saturday, NBA correspondent Marc Stein reported that multiple Dallas Mavericks may be on the move following a change in leadership.
"Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford, as we speak, are the veterans that the Mavericks are seen as most open to trading ..." Stein wrote. "With Thompson drawing particular notice now that he's entering the final season of his current contract valued at $17.5 million in 2026-27."
With the Mavericks hiring longtime Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri, the team may look to clear house and build around reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.
For Sacramento, trading LaVine would free up $49 million in cap space, while allowing emerging talents and future draft picks to step into a larger offensive role.
LaVine, who the Kings traded for in February 2025, missed most of last season with a finger injury, playing in just 37 games in his first full season in Sacramento.
When available, LaVine posted solid numbers, scoring 19.2 points per game on solid 48-39-88 splits.
His mix of perimeter and interior scoring is still appealing to teams looking for another shot creator and scorer, giving the Kings some flexibility with his value.
If Dallas got into the mix, Washington and Thompson would be two intriguing pieces for Sacramento to target.
Washington, who spent the past two and a half seasons with the Mavericks, would provide the Kings with a physical forward who can space the floor and rebound at a high rate.
The former Kentucky standout also brings playoff experience, having been a big part of Dallas' recent run to the NBA Finals.
During the Mavericks' run, Washington hit countless big-time 3-pointers and provided high-level defense.
Thompson, the future Hall of Famer, would be a young point guard's best friend, giving a player like Darius Acuff Jr., Keaton Wagler, or Kingston Flemings a trusty shooter to kick too on drives.
Since arriving in Dallas, Thompson has shot 39-percent from deep, while playing the majority of his minutes off the bench.
Thompson is also entering the final year of his 3-year, $50 million contract, giving the Kings options next offseason.
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