Zach LaVine and Caris LeVert could enter the NBA buyout market after the trade deadline as the Kings and Bucks manage their 2026-27 rosters.
The 2026-27 NBA season could bring several veteran players into the buyout market after the trade deadline. NBA salary-cap expert Yossi Gozlan has identified Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine as a potential buyout candidate and added Milwaukee Bucks guard Caris LeVert to the list. Both players have contract situations that could make them names to watch as teams make roster changes during the season.
Gozlan recently discussed LaVine’s situation and wrote, “I still consider Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine a strong buyout candidate after the trade deadline. I’d also add Caris LeVert to this list considering the Bucks impending roster crunch.”
The comment points to two different situations. LaVine could become a buyout candidate if Sacramento cannot find a suitable trade for him before the deadline. LeVert, meanwhile, could become available because Milwaukee may need to make difficult roster decisions as it manages its veteran players and younger talent.
LaVine exercised his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season in June. That decision kept him under contract with Sacramento for another season. He averaged 19.2 points in 39 games during the 2025-26 regular season after missing significant time because of a right-hand injury.
The Kings acquired LaVine from the Chicago Bulls in February 2025 as part of the trade that sent De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs. His large expiring salary could make a trade difficult, which helps explain why a future buyout remains a possibility.
Caris LeVert Added to the List
LeVert joined the Bucks during the 2026 offseason. Milwaukee acquired him from the Detroit Pistons in a six-team trade on July 8. Detroit sent LeVert and two future second-round picks to Milwaukee in exchange for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris.
Milwaukee has since faced roster-management issues. A September report noted that the Bucks had 17 players while the standard roster limit is 15, putting pressure on the team to make moves. One suggested solution involved waiving LeVert.
That situation makes Gozlan’s comment relevant. If Milwaukee keeps its current group together into the season, the team could face another roster decision later.
Past Situation Could Shape LaVine’s Future
LaVine’s recent history also matters. The Kings acquired him after moving Fox to San Antonio, hoping the veteran guard could provide scoring alongside their remaining core.
However, LaVine’s first full season in Sacramento was interrupted by his hand injury. He underwent season-ending surgery before the 2025-26 All-Star break and finished the campaign with 19.2 points per game in 39 appearances.
With Sacramento entering another stage of roster development, the team could evaluate several options before the trade deadline. A trade would be one route, while a buyout could become another if the two sides reach an agreement.
For now, neither LaVine nor LeVert has been bought out. Gozlan’s comments simply place both veterans among the players to monitor as the 2026-27 season progresses.
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