Zach LaVine’s Contract Option Sparks Early Trade Buzz as Kings Slide

Barely a month into the new NBA season, trade discussions are beginning to take shape — and the Sacramento Kings find themselves at the center of much of the league’s attention. With the team opening at 5–16, executives around the league are closely monitoring how the front office responds to a disappointing start. The focus of that scrutiny is All-Star guard Zach LaVine, whose future in Sacramento has quickly become a subject of growing speculation.

LaVine arrived with expectations of helping the Kings take a step forward, but the team’s early struggles have only intensified questions about their long-term plans. Rival teams are already evaluating whether Sacramento is prepared to shake up its roster, and LaVine’s contract situation makes him a particularly intriguing candidate. His production, age, and scoring ability make him appealing — but his financial picture is what may ultimately drive activity.

NBA insider Marc Stein recently outlined the dynamics that could shape the trade market around LaVine, pointing to a unique contract wrinkle that may expand the number of potential suitors. His insight has added a new layer to conversations that were already simmering as Sacramento searches for stability.

As the Kings attempt to recover from their slow start, the intersection of team performance, contract structure, and market interest has placed LaVine at the heart of one of the season’s first major storylines.

1. A Contract Option That Shapes the Market

Stein’s reporting highlighted the key factor influencing LaVine’s trade value: a player option for the 2026–27 season worth nearly $50 million. While the All-Star guard has every right to exercise it, that figure is substantial enough to give front offices pause. Teams considering a long-term investment must weigh his talent against the cap flexibility they’d sacrifice. However, Stein noted that the situation shifts considerably if LaVine shows willingness to decline that option in favor of a multi-year extension at a lower annual number. Such a decision would immediately broaden the market, potentially bringing new suitors into the conversation. It would also provide a level of cost certainty that teams often seek when evaluating major roster moves. This isn’t simply about cutting costs — it’s about creating a financial framework that allows contenders and rising teams to maintain balance while adding established scoring. LaVine’s performance profile is attractive to many front offices, but flexibility may determine whether interest becomes action. While there is no indication LaVine has made such a decision, the possibility alone has positioned him as a high-priority name to watch in the early stages of the trade cycle.

2. Secondary Effects and the DeRozan Question

LaVine isn’t the only veteran whose name has surfaced in these discussions. Stein also pointed to DeMar DeRozan, whose deal next season is only partially guaranteed. Though not drawing the same level of immediate attention, DeRozan could become part of broader conversations if teams begin exploring creative ways to reshape their cap sheets. Sacramento’s precarious start has amplified these considerations. A team facing mounting pressure to course-correct may find itself weighing whether moving one or both veterans can lead to improved long-term flexibility. While DeRozan’s situation remains more speculative, it underscores the shifting landscape surrounding the Kings’ roster. For now, the spotlight remains firmly on LaVine. His contract structure, age, and on-court role create a more direct connection to the league’s current trade chatter. But should the Kings continue to struggle, the possibility of additional movement cannot be dismissed. Even so, any decision involving LaVine or DeRozan would require careful evaluation. As centerpieces of Sacramento’s offense, both players hold considerable value — and any trade would need to return a meaningful combination of assets or cap benefits.

3. Pressure Mounts as Sacramento Searches for Answers

Sacramento’s slow start has added urgency to internal deliberations. A 5–16 record places the Kings near the bottom of the Western Conference, and the pressure on the front office to respond continues to grow. Underperforming teams often face a narrow margin for hesitation, and rival executives are already preparing for the possibility that Sacramento may consider significant adjustments. Trading a high-profile player like LaVine would represent the most dramatic of those moves. Such a deal could restructure the team’s financial outlook or bring in young talent — but it would also signal a major shift in organizational direction. As the season unfolds, the Kings will need to determine whether their current core is capable of resetting its course. Much of the timing will depend on how Sacramento performs in the coming weeks. A strong stretch could delay or soften the need for action. Continued struggles, however, would only intensify the spotlight on LaVine’s situation and the leverage his contract decisions may create. With the trade window beginning to open around the league, executives are watching closely. LaVine’s circumstances—between his option, potential flexibility, and Sacramento’s early slump—make him a natural focal point for teams eager to strengthen their rosters before the midway point of the season.