Kings Face Uphill Battle to Move LaVine Without Draft Sweetener
kings-face-uphill-battle-to-move-lavine-without-draft-sweetener
Sacramento’s front office may struggle to unload Zach LaVine’s maximum-salary deal unless a draft pick is attached, league sources told The Athletic. General manager Scott Perry, who views the club’s future picks as key to any rebuild, is reluctant to include those assets, creating the possibility that LaVine remains with the Kings beyond the 2025-26 trade deadline.
Reporter Sam Amick adds that other high-priced veterans—Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan—could also stay put. Perry has repeatedly urged patience while trying to transform the roster into a contender.
Sabonis Prepared to Stay
According to Amick, Sabonis has embraced Perry’s long-term message and is willing to remain in Sacramento “for the foreseeable future.” The Wizards, Suns and Bulls have shown interest in the center at various points, but moving him is complicated by his sizable contract.
Ellis Draws Leaguewide Interest
Guard Keon Ellis continues to generate the most outside interest among Sacramento players. While the Kings could trade him, they have not ruled out negotiating an extension once he becomes eligible later this season.
Timberwolves Monitoring Coby White
A team source confirmed Minnesota’s interest in Bulls guard Coby White. However, with White expected to command a substantial raise in free agency, the Timberwolves may treat him as a short-term addition and are hesitant to meet Chicago’s asking price.
Mavericks Still Weighing Upgrades
Despite a sluggish start that fueled speculation about a sell-off, one league contact told Amick the Mavericks are still evaluating ways to improve the current core. Dallas sits 10th in the Western Conference—good for a play-in spot—and could regain Kyrie Irving from an ACL tear in the coming months, keeping a postseason push in play.
Warriors, Pelicans and Suns Circle Kuminga, Murphy
The Warriors have long coveted Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III, yet opinions reportedly vary within New Orleans’ front office about Jonathan Kuminga, who would likely be required for salary matching. Meanwhile, Arizona radio host John Gambadoro reports the Suns’ interest in Kuminga has cooled since the offseason; Phoenix had been intrigued by the prospect of locking him into a four-year deal, but his current shorter contract is less appealing.
Source: Hoops Rumors
