Bucks Renew Interest in Kings Guard Zach LaVine to Bolster Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Supporting Cast
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The Milwaukee Bucks have resumed background checks on Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine as the organization weighs potential roster upgrades around Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
League sources told Amick that Milwaukee has revisited LaVine’s status after expressing interest in previous trade cycles. The renewed inquiry reflects the club’s sense of urgency while Antetokounmpo remains in his prime.
LaVine, 30, is earning $47.5 million this season and holds a $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign. That future salary commitment is viewed as a central hurdle in any negotiations.
NBA insider Marc Stein recently noted that LaVine’s market could widen if the guard were willing to decline the option and negotiate a longer agreement at a lower annual figure. Until then, interested teams are carefully evaluating the financial impact.
On the court, LaVine is averaging 20.6 points per game while shooting nearly 39 percent from three-point range. Offensive production has remained steady, though questions about his defense persist.
Sources cited by DallasHoopsJournal said Kings general manager Scott Perry and head coach Doug Christie have grown frustrated with LaVine’s defensive engagement during Sacramento’s uneven start. The Kings acquired LaVine last season in the De’Aaron Fox trade and continue to assess his long-term fit.
Milwaukee, meanwhile, is still determining which move—if any—can elevate the roster for a deep postseason run. As the Bucks explore options, LaVine’s name remains firmly on their radar.
Source: Hoops Wire
