Kings GM Scott Perry Intensifies Search for Zach LaVine Trade
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Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry is “desperately” attempting to move guard Zach LaVine ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, according to a report from Ashish Mathur of the Dallas Hoops Journal.
Sources cited by Mathur said Perry and head coach Doug Christie have grown dissatisfied with LaVine’s defensive effort as the club stumbles through a 5-14 start. The 30-year-old was acquired last season in a three-team deal that sent De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs, but the pairing has struggled to take hold in Sacramento.
Perry, who assumed control of the front office during the offseason, was reportedly skeptical of LaVine’s style even before accepting the job. Those familiar with the situation told Mathur that the executive views LaVine as a key reason the Kings rank near the bottom of the league in points allowed.
LaVine is earning $47.5 million this season and holds a $48.9 million player option for 2024-25—significant figures for a roster trending toward a rebuild. Despite the financial burden, the former All-Star remains productive, averaging 20.1 points on 49.0 percent shooting from the field, 37.5 percent from beyond the arc and 89.7 percent at the free-throw line. Christie has nonetheless removed him from several fourth quarters as losses have piled up.
The veteran guard, who has also suited up for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Chicago Bulls, owns career marks of 20.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists in his 10 NBA seasons. His lone playoff appearance came with the Bulls in 2022.
With Sacramento expected to listen on multiple veterans, other teams are already doing their homework. The Milwaukee Bucks have conducted preliminary background checks on LaVine’s situation, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported earlier this season.
How aggressively the Kings pursue a reset could hinge on what rival clubs are willing to offer for one of the league’s most electric—yet polarizing—scorers.
Source: Hoops Wire
