The Sacramento Kings are reluctant to attach draft picks to move Zach LaVine’s maximum-salary contract, a stance that is dictating the club’s trade-deadline strategy, The Athletic reported.
Kings Prioritize Picks Over Salary Relief
General manager Scott Perry views Sacramento’s draft capital as essential to any future rebuild and is unwilling to use those selections as incentives in deals, according to the report. As a result, LaVine could remain with the Kings past the deadline, and the same approach may apply to other veterans such as Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan.
League sources told The Athletic that Sabonis is prepared to stay in Sacramento. The Wizards, Suns, and Bulls have previously expressed interest in the center, but his contract complicates potential negotiations.
Guard Keon Ellis is regarded around the league as the Kings’ most appealing young trade chip. Nevertheless, Sacramento has not ruled out retaining Ellis and discussing an extension when he becomes eligible later this season.
Timberwolves Monitor Coby White
The Minnesota Timberwolves have interest in Bulls guard Coby White, a team source confirmed to The Athletic. White’s expected contract demands this summer could temper Minnesota’s willingness to meet Chicago’s price, leading the Wolves to view him more as a short-term boost than a long-term fixture.
Mavericks Focus on Additions, Not Subtractions
Despite a slow start, the Dallas Mavericks are not positioned for a sell-off, a league source told The Athletic’s Sam Amick. The front office is weighing options to strengthen the current core rather than signaling a retreat ahead of the deadline.
Dallas is currently in the Western Conference play-in mix, and Kyrie Irving is expected to return from his ACL injury later this season. With that timeline in mind, the Mavericks have not ruled out moves aimed at remaining competitive down the stretch.
Source: Hoops Wire
