The Sacramento Kings seem ready to make big changes. They are planning a major trade spree, which includes star player Zach LaVine.
Looking at the Kings’ roster, Keon Ellis and Malik Monk are two players other teams should have interest in, while Domantas Sabonis is a center that contending teams, such as the Boston Celtics, could realistically target, and DeMar DeRozan doesn’t have much trade value.
Later in this article, we’ll dive deeper into just how talented and underappreciated LaVine truly is. Right now, it’s important to mention that the Detroit Pistons are No. 1 in the Eastern Conference. However, they could still use more offensive power, even with their success.
This proposal gives the Kings and Pistons what they want. The Kings get future flexibility in Sacramento. The Pistons gain a potential star player in Detroit.
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Sacramento Kings Receive: G Zach Lavine & G Keon Ellis
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If you’re a Kings fan, I’m sorry because this team constructed the roster terribly. Sacramento is 14th in the Western Conference with a 12–36 record. They are on a six-game losing streak. The bigger problem is that they lack clear direction.
After trading De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis wanted to know the team’s future. Now, halfway through the 2025–26 NBA season, there is still no clear update on where the team is going.
At this point, the Kings likely need to blow it up and prioritize asset accumulation. Players like Sabonis and LaVine won’t be in their primes when this team could realistically be competitive again in two to three years.
LaVine is nearly 31 years old. He has a $47 million cap hit this season. He also has a $48.9 million player option for the 2026–27 season.
Given the Kings’ current situation, it seems unrealistic to start next season with LaVine on a “lame duck” contract. It would not be wise for Sacramento to extend his contract into his age-32, 33, and 34 seasons.
From Sacramento’s view, this proposal might offer the best return. It includes two expiring contracts, good cap flexibility, and two future second-round picks.
Why Would the Pistons Make This Trade?
The Detroit Pistons would be getting a strong scorer in LaVine. He is shooting 39.9% from three-point range this season. He has made 6.7 attempts per game. In 2024, he had an impressive 44.6% from deep.
I hate to say it, but LaVine is one of the best pure scorers in the NBA. While he’s averaging just 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, his value comes from putting the ball in the basket.
There are many examples in the league. Players like Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Maxey, and Devin Booker are elite scorers. They play on winning teams but are not great defenders. That’s the biggest knock on LaVine as well.
However, the saying “a rising tide lifts all ships” applies here. LaVine has spent his entire career on losing teams, from the Timberwolves to the Bulls to the Kings. If he joined a winning team like the current Pistons, the talent around him could elevate his impact.
This Pistons roster includes Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, and key players like Marcus Sasser and Duncan Robinson. They have role players who meet specific needs. However, Cunningham still needs a true No. 2 elite scorer.
The NBA is also about volume. In the four games this season where LaVine took 20 or more shots, he scored over 30 points each time. This includes a game where he scored 42 points.
The Pistons would be betting on LaVine’s efficiency, particularly as a three-point shooter. There are many high-scoring players like Cam Thomas and Coby White who are not very efficient. However, LaVine’s shooting history is impressive. This may be the strongest reason for a possible trade.