Zach LaVine isn\u2019t leaving Sacramento just yet.<\/p>\n
After months of trade speculation and uncertainty surrounding his future, the veteran guard has exercised his $49 million player option<\/a> for the 2026\u201327 season, according to ESPN\u2019s Shams Charania. <\/p>\n The decision keeps LaVine under contract with the Sacramento Kings<\/a> for at least one more year after what was a disappointing campaign for both the player and the franchise.<\/p>\n Zach LaVine exercised his $49 million player option, ending Kings trade rumors and returning to Sacramento. NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n LaVine\u2019s future had been in question for much of the past year. The Kings reportedly<\/a> explored moving both him and All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis before the trade deadline, but neither deal materialized. Sacramento also gave LaVine and his representatives permission to explore<\/a> sign-and-trade scenarios before his player option deadline, though no suitable destination emerged.<\/p>\n Instead, the two-time All-Star chose the security of a $49 million payday.<\/p>\n Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball up court in the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies. Getty Images<\/p>\n The decision also creates another financial hurdle for Sacramento. According to ESPN\u2019s Bobby Marks, the Kings now sit<\/a> roughly $16 million above the luxury tax line, more than $13 million over the first apron and are hovering around the NBA\u2019s restrictive second apron. Reports have suggested the organization could explore cost-cutting moves<\/a>, including using the stretch provision on DeMar DeRozan\u2019s contract, to create additional flexibility.<\/p>\n From a basketball standpoint, LaVine remains something of a question mark.<\/p>\n The 31-year-old appeared in just 39 games last season before undergoing season-ending surgery<\/a> to repair a tendon injury in his right hand. He averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists, his lowest scoring average since the 2017\u201318 season, while also posting career lows in both rebounds and assists.<\/p>\n Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan puts up a shot over New York Knicks JASON SZENES\/ NY POST<\/p>\n Sacramento acquired LaVine from the Chicago Bulls at the 2025 trade deadline as part of a three-team deal involving the San Antonio Spurs, hoping he could help reshape the franchise. Instead, injuries and a disastrous 22\u201360 season left the Kings tied for the NBA\u2019s worst record in the Western Conference.<\/p>\n While LaVine\u2019s decision guarantees he\u2019ll remain on the roster entering training camp, it doesn\u2019t necessarily end the trade speculation. His expiring contract could become more attractive if he returns healthy and regains the All-Star form that earned him back-to-back selections with the Bulls in 2021 and 2022.<\/p>\n For now, however, LaVine is staying put, giving both himself and the Kings one more opportunity to salvage what has so far been a disappointing partnership.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\tSign up for the California Morning Report newsletter\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCalifornia’s top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\tThanks for signing up!\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters <\/p>\n California Post News: Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, X<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, WhatsApp<\/a>, LinkedIn<\/a> \t\t\t\t\t\t
California Post Sports Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, TikTok<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, X<\/a>
California Post Opinion<\/a>
California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!<\/a>
California Post App: Download here!<\/a>
Home delivery: Sign up here!<\/a>
<\/a>Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!<\/a><\/p>\n