Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale names Kings’ best trade partners for Zach LaVine

Dan Favale doesn’t believe the Sacramento Kings will have an easy time moving Zach LaVine, but he also sees several intriguing opportunities for the franchise to improve around Darius Acuff Jr. in the years ahead.

Appearing on Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys, the Bleacher Report NBA writer shared his thoughts on Sacramento’s trade outlook, Acuff’s long-term potential, Maxime Raynaud versus Dylan Cardwell, and why he’s not sold on Russell Westbrook as a mentor for the Kings’ prized rookie.

While LaVine’s expiring contract has been viewed as a potential trade asset, Favale believes the veteran guard’s $49 million salary makes a deal difficult.

“With LaVine on the books for $49 million, I can’t see another team being interested in that, even though he’s on an expiring contract,” Favale said. “The market for these guys who are on very sizable salaries is getting harder and harder to move.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 15: Zach Lavine #8 of the Sacramento Kings in action against the LA Clippers at Golden 1 Center on October 15, 2025 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)

Instead, Favale believes Sacramento should remain patient while monitoring teams loaded with young talent. He specifically highlighted the Washington Wizards as a potential trade partner because of their collection of recent first-round picks, including Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington and Cam Whitmore.

He also mentioned the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers as organizations with crowded rotations that could eventually make young players available.

Favale admitted he was lower than consensus on Acuff entering the draft but still believes Sacramento selected the right player at seventh overall.

“Even in Summer League, which was a disaster at times for Acuff, you could just see all the different things that he might be able to do on the ball,” Favale said. “You put him in NBA spacing, I trust that his jumper is just going to be better from day one.”

The conversation also shifted to Sacramento’s young centers, where Favale surprised listeners by giving undrafted rookie Dylan Cardwell the edge over second-round pick Maxime Raynaud.

“I am way higher on Dylan Cardwell than I am on Maxime Raynaud,” Favale said. “I’m not willing to turn the keys over to either one of them. But if you’re looking for a second big type of the future, either of these guys could be candidates.”

Maxime Raynaud #42 of the Sacramento Kings, Dylan Cardwell #32, and Nique Clifford #5 stand on the court after the game against the Washington Wizards at Golden 1 Center on January 16, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Perhaps Favale’s strongest take came when discussing reports linking Russell Westbrook to Sacramento. While he respects the former MVP’s competitiveness, he worries Westbrook’s playing style could stunt Acuff’s development.

“I don’t want Darius Acuff anywhere near Russell Westbrook’s shot selection,” Favale said. “If he signs with a team like the Kings, I’m assuming he’s going to expect a bunch of minutes, and I would just rather see those minutes allocated to not just Acuff but some of these other guys on the roster.”

Favale added that he’d be more intrigued by Victor Oladipo as a veteran addition, believing the former All-Star presents less risk while allowing the Sacramento Kings to prioritize Acuff’s development during a pivotal rookie season.

Check out the full conversation at the top of this page or by visiting the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

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

Click here for full episodes of The Drive Guys.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Would Russell Westbrook be the perfect mentor for Darius Acuff Jr.?
• Why Doug Christie deserves another full season with the Kings
• Why Zach LaVine Could Have Trade Value Next Season
• Report: Kings weighing Westbrook return, Oladipo possibility
• Sources: Zach LaVine will not be bought out by Sacramento
• Who will be Sacramento’s backup center: Raynaud or Cardwell?

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 into Sactown Sports all offseason for roster updates, schedule announcements, analysis, and much more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Preseason Schedule

• 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)

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