NBA salary cap expert advises against stretching Zach LaVine’s contract

The Sacramento Kings are heading into a pivotal offseason, and according to Spotrac cap expert Keith Smith, the franchise faces both financial strain and philosophical decisions that could define its future.

With the 2025-26 regular season closing Sunday, Sacramento finds itself near the bottom of the standings despite carrying one of the league’s most expensive rosters.

During an interview with Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys, Smith didn’t mince words about their financial position.

“As far as where they’re at, it’s not good,” Smith said. “They’re at the bottom of the spectrum here of teams, and that’s just far too expensive going into next season.”

A major storyline revolves around veteran forward DeMar DeRozan, whose partially guaranteed contract ($10 million for 2026-27) could offer flexibility. Smith explained both the upside and complications.

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

“If a team can acquire DeMar DeRozan, and we’re out of this for $10 million, that’s free and clear, but it can be a little bit hard to pull off.”

He added that Sacramento may ultimately face a tough decision: “If we can’t get him traded, maybe just waive him and move on. We’ll eat the 10 million.”

The Sacramento Kings’ financial crunch is largely self-inflicted, stemming from a series of win-now moves.

Contracts for stars like Zach LaVine (player option for $49 million) and Domantas Sabonis (set to make $93 million over the next two seasons), along with Keegan Murray’s extension and additions like De’Andre Hunter’s $24 million contract for 2026-27, have pushed the team into dangerous territory.

“When you add it all together, you’re up over the first apron,” Smith said, referencing the NBA’s restrictive spending threshold.

LaVine’s situation is particularly tricky, with a $49 million player option looming. While some have floated using the stretch provision, Smith cautioned against it.

Zach Lavine #8 of the Sacramento Kings stands on the court during their game against the Dallas Mavericks at Golden 1 Center on January 06, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

“For me, that’s only if you need to do that to create cap space, and that’s not where the Kings are.”

Instead, he suggested patience: “I would ride it out. You may run into a team that sends contracts and a pick to get off them.”

Meanwhile, Malik Monk’s deal isn’t viewed as toxic, despite rising costs. Monk is set to make $20.1 million in 2026-27 and has a $21.6 million player option for 2027-28.

“I don’t think it’s that bad. On a really good team, he’s probably your Sixth Man,” Smith noted, adding Sacramento may need to get “creative” in trades by taking on undesirable contracts to extract value.

Despite the bleak outlook, there are building blocks. Smith pointed to young players, including Keegan Murray, as reasons for optimism.

“I’m still a big fan of Keegan Murray. We’re going to see that player that we all really liked.” He also emphasized the importance of the upcoming draft, particularly at guard.

Ultimately, the direction of the Sacramento Kings hinges on organizational alignment.

“You’ve got to have that aligned vision from the top all the way through, otherwise nothing’s going to get done that’s positive,” Smith said.

Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?

The Sacramento Kings will play their final game of the 2025-26 season on Sunday afternoon when they face the Portland Trail Blazers on the road at the Moda Center.

Be sure to catch all of the Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers action right here on Sactown Sports 1140 AM, with pregame coverage beginning at 4:00 PM PT on Game Night before a 5:30 pm PT tip-off from downtown Portland.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Slater: Kings’ ‘tanking’ controversy was just a coaching mistake
• Kings legend’s son has impressive showing in NCAA Tournament
• Jerry Reynolds: Kings need to prioritize talent over fit in the NBA Draft
• Have the Kings found their latest two-way success story?

Upcoming Sacramento Kings schedule for the 2025-26 season

• Sunday, April 12th @ Portland Trail Blazers – 5:30 PM PT (End of season)

Thank you for reading sactownsports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

Sources: Zach LaVine will not be bought out by SacramentoWho will be Sacramento’s backup center: Raynaud or Cardwell?Why being counted out could help the Sacramento KingsJerry Reynolds on what the Kings should do with Sabonis & LaVineShould the Sacramento Kings have done more this offseason?NBA Insider believes Darius Acuff Jr. can change the Kings’ culture