Zach LaVine has a chance to rebuild his value in Sacramento

Zach LaVine enters the 2026-27 season with plenty to prove, but his performance could also determine what the Sacramento Kings are able to get in return for him at the trade deadline.

LaVine is coming off an injury-shortened season in which he played just 39 games, averaging 19.2 points while shooting 48 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range. The 31-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, which will pay him roughly $49 million.

For the Kings, the ideal scenario could be LaVine rebuilding his value while helping the team win games before becoming an expiring contract at the deadline.

Sactown Sports’ Matt George believes efficiency will be more important than raw scoring numbers when it comes to LaVine’s trade value.

“If Zach LaVine is scoring 20 points per game and the Kings are losing, as–and he’s a top option–I understand your point,” George said. “But if Zach LaVine is shooting 40-plus percent from three-point range, as we’ve seen he’s capable of doing again. I think there are a lot of teams that might naturally toss out Zach LaVine’s losing and the Kings’ record, as it’s more of a Kings problem than it is a Zach LaVine problem.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 06: 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. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

More on Zach LaVine

Chris Watkins agreed that LaVine could actually increase his value by showing he can fit into a defined role rather than simply dominating the ball.

“I think Zach would just be a lot better off showing that he can be a part of a team, be a sixth man, fit into a role,” Watkins said. “I think everyone kind of knows that he has the ability to be a lightning scorer, but they really haven’t seen his ability to fit into a box.”

The potential return, however, remains difficult to predict because of LaVine’s massive salary. George believes Sacramento shouldn’t expect a comparable player in return for an expiring contract.

“The most realistic value is that the Kings can get for a Zach LaVine, and maybe you’re just hoping a sprinkled-in young player slash role player falls into your lap too,” George said. “To get better than that in terms of actual player value in return for Zach LaVine, I think is probably a pipe dream for the Kings.”

A protected first-round pick could be the best-case scenario, but Watkins isn’t convinced even that will be available.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 07: Zach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after a second half three point basket against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on April 07, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. Sacramento won the game 127-117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

“I just don’t know if Zach is going to go from a guy who had quite literally no trade value to somebody who’s going to get a first-round pick,” Watkins said.

For LaVine, the path to maximizing his value is relatively straightforward: stay healthy, shoot efficiently, and prove he can contribute within Sacramento’s system.

If he does that, the Kings could have a legitimate opportunity to turn an expiring contract into a meaningful future asset.

Listen to all episodes of Sactown Sports’ The Matt George Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and watch each episode on SactownSports.com, the Sactown Sports app, or the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Report: Kings bringing veteran PGs in for workouts
• Potential 2027 NBA Free Agent Targets for the Sacramento Kings
• Maxime Raynaud’s 3-Point shooting could be his ‘golden ticket’ with Kings
• Why Russell Westbrook decided to walk away from the Kings
• Darius Acuff Jr. made Andre Miller take notice at Kings’ summer workouts

What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for Darius Acuff Jr. and the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento will begin training camp in late September as they prepare to begin preseason play on Monday, October 5th when they face Luka Doncic and the new-look Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center.

Be sure to stay tuned to Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, analysis, and much more.

Sacramento Kings Schedule: 2026-27 Preseason

• Monday, October 5th vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 P.M. PST)
• Thursday, October 8th @ Los Angeles Lakers (7:30 P.M. PST)
• Saturday, October 10th @ Golden State Warriors (5:30 P.M. PST)
• Tuesday, October 13th vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PST)
• Friday, October 16th @ San Antonio Spurs (7:00 P.M. PST)

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

Related

Report: Kings bringing veteran PGs in for workoutsHigh School Showcase: Joe Davidson Previews 2026 SeasonPotential 2027 NBA Free Agent Targets for the Sacramento KingsPosition Preview: Inside the 2026 Aggie OffenseFaithful Flashbacks #16: Big Easy BoundMaxime Raynaud’s 3-Point shooting could be his ‘golden ticket’ with Kings