Kings likely to sit out trade frenzy as front office refuses to add picks to move LaVine
SLUG: kings-likely-quiet-trade-deadline
The Sacramento Kings appear poised for a subdued approach to the upcoming NBA trade deadline, league sources told The Athletic.
General manager Scott Perry is reportedly unwilling to attach draft assets to offload guard Zach LaVine’s maximum-salary contract, making a significant trade difficult to complete. Perry views the franchise’s future draft picks as pivotal to long-term planning and does not want to sacrifice them simply to reduce salary.
Because of that stance, multiple executives believe there is a strong possibility LaVine will remain on the roster past the deadline. The same holds true for veterans Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan, whose sizable salaries present comparable hurdles in any deal.
Sabonis has embraced the team’s patient strategy and is prepared to stay in Sacramento for the foreseeable future, according to the report. While the Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls have expressed interest in the past, matching his contract has proven challenging for potential suitors.
One player drawing league-wide attention is guard Keon Ellis. Despite external overtures, the Kings have not ruled out keeping Ellis and exploring an extension once he becomes eligible later this season, a move that could require a more defined role in head coach Mike Brown’s rotation.
Unless a trade partner surfaces willing to absorb LaVine’s contract without draft compensation, Sacramento is expected to stand pat when the deadline arrives.
Source: Hoops Wire
