Two-time All-Star Zach LaVine expects to be traded by the Sacramento Kings, sources told Ahn Fire Digital.
The Kings, who acquired LaVine from the Chicago Bulls last season in the three-team De’Aaron Fox trade with the San Antonio Spurs, are expected to trade LaVine this season, sources said.
General manager Scott Perry, who wasn’t high on LaVine’s game before taking the Kings job this past offseason, has been telling people close to him that LaVine is the primary reason Sacramento is nearly dead last in the NBA in points per game allowed and defensive rating, sources said.
Sacramento is only 7-22 despite having LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook. Doug Christie’s group has the worst record in the Western Conference.
LaVine is currently out with an ankle injury. He’s appeared in 23 games this season. The UCLA product is averaging 20.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 48.7 percent from the field, 38.5 percent from beyond the arc and 86.7 percent from the free-throw line.
The Milwaukee Bucks are interested in trading for LaVine, sources said. LaVine is making $47.5 million this season. He has a player option worth $48.9 million for next season.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been interested in LaVine in the past, but they no longer have interest in the two-time Slam Dunk Contest champion, sources said.
LaVine’s agent is Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group. The shooting guard has played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Bulls and Kings.
LaVine holds career averages of 20.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. He’s only been to the playoffs once. That was back in 2022 with the Bulls, who lost to the Bucks in the first round in five quick games.