Facing a massive $49 million player option and limited market leverage, the veteran guard appears locked into Sacramento as trade inquiries stall and free agency risks loom.
Zach LaVine is closing in on a decision that will shape the Sacramento Kings' roster heading into next season. The veteran guard has until June 29 to decide on his $49 million player option, and the latest word points toward him staying put.
The Athletic's Sam Amick joined Sactown Sports 1140's The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross and gave a clear update on where things stand.
"[Zach LaVine and his agency] are not leaving that money on the table. So, he's not opting out," Amick said, via Sactown Sports 1140.
There was one alternative path the Kings and LaVine's camp quietly looked into, according to Amick.
"The only question was, they essentially were greenlighted to explore other scenarios where if Zach and his camp could find a team that was interested enough to do a sign-and-trade, then you opt out, presumably at a lower number, and do a deal that way," Amick said.
Sacramento was open to that route, but it never gained any real traction.
"That scenario, the Kings have been amenable to. I just haven't heard of LaVine's camp having any luck with those scenarios," Amick said.
Even so, Amick made clear that LaVine isn't just looking to bolt for free agency.
"That doesn't mean they don't exist. That, from a process standpoint, is how Zach and his people have been attacking this. But he's absolutely not just choosing to get his freedom and then opting out and jumping into free agency," Amick said.
Why LaVine Is Expected To Opt In
League sources reportedly say something close to a three-year, $100 million offer from another team to pull LaVine away from his option, and nothing of that magnitude has surfaced. He is widely expected to opt in.
At 31 and coming off an injury-shortened season, LaVine has limited leverage on the open market. He played just 39 games this year, though he still averaged 19.2 points while shooting 48 percent from the field and 39 percent from three when healthy.
Walking away from $49 million guaranteed for a one-year deal elsewhere would be a steep gamble, especially after his role in Sacramento was already in question following a down year.
What It Means For The Kings
Sacramento currently projects to be above the NBA's first tax apron, which limits roster flexibility going into the offseason. Bringing LaVine back at his full number adds to that crunch.
Even with the player option expected to be exercised, LaVine's name has not disappeared from trade conversations. Several insiders have floated him as a candidate to be moved this summer once his contract becomes easier to digest as an expiring deal.
For now, the expectation is that LaVine suits up for the Kings again next season, with his longer-term future in Sacramento still very much unsettled.
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