Sacramento Kings lock in Zach LaVine’s $48.9 million player option for the 2026‑27 season, extending his $215.1 million deal through the 2027 postseason. The move guarantees the former Bulls star a high salary while the franchise continues its rebuild.
What happened?
LaVine exercised his player option on June 30, 2026, after the Kings declined to trade him. The contract guarantees $48.9 million for the upcoming year and keeps the remaining $166.2 million of his five‑year pact intact. He averaged 20.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 71 games over two seasons with Sacramento, shooting 41.6% from three‑point range. The Kings have not signaled any intent to buy him out, despite rumors that a reset could be looming.
Why it matters for Sacramento Kings
The Kings entered the 2026‑27 campaign with a roster that looks competitive on paper but lacks depth in the paint and perimeter defense. LaVine’s scoring ability—averaging over 20 points per game—offers a reliable offensive option, yet his presence does not automatically translate into wins. The club’s recent form reads LLWWL, with two straight losses, and the last result was a 122‑110 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers on April 13, 2026. Those numbers illustrate a team still searching for consistency. Keeping LaVine means the Kings retain a veteran who can stretch the floor, open lanes for rookie forward Keegan Murray, and mentor younger guards.
What’s next for LaVine?
If LaVine wants a playoff push, he may need to look elsewhere. NBA insider Jake Fischer noted that the Bulls have no plans to buy him out now, but the market could open later in the season. A mid‑season trade would require a package that includes a high‑draft pick and a promising wing, something the Kings might consider if they decide to accelerate the rebuild. Otherwise, LaVine will finish the contract and become a free agent in the summer of 2027, when teams with immediate championship aspirations could swing a sizable offer.
How will the Kings move forward?
Coach Mike Brown will likely lean on LaVine’s pick‑and‑roll chemistry with point guard De’Aaron Fox, while also integrating the developing big men into a more versatile lineup. The front office may explore adding a defensive specialist at forward to balance LaVine’s offensive firepower. With the season still early, the Kings have time to test rotations, but the pressure mounts after the recent losing streak. Every game now carries weight as the franchise decides whether to stay the course or pivot toward a full roster overhaul.
The next few months will reveal if Sacramento can turn LaVine’s contract into a catalyst for a surprise playoff run or if the veteran will seek a fresh start elsewhere.