Sam Amick on Doug Christie’s job security & Zach LaVine’s trade value

The Sacramento Kings face several questions as the 2026-27 season begins, but two may shape the year: how much patience Doug Christie will get and whether the team can move Zach LaVine before the trade deadline.

The Athletic’s Sam Amick joined Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross to discuss the Kings’ outlook, Christie’s job security and the challenge of finding a trade market for LaVine, who is entering the final year of his contract.

Amick acknowledged that his early optimism about the roster has faded. He had hoped LaVine and Domantas Sabonis, two veteran players with something to prove, could help the Kings stay competitive while Darius Acuff Jr. found his footing.

But if the team’s rough stretches become the norm, Amick said, “it’s gonna be ugly,” and the fallout could arrive quickly.

That raises the question of how long Christie might remain in charge. He is in the final year of his deal, and Amick said it’s possible he could finish the season even if Sacramento struggles.

“Honestly, no, you’re not off,” Amick told the hosts when asked whether Christie could survive the year. “Surviving a year is not out of the question.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: Head coach Doug Christie of the Sacramento Kings talks with Maxime Raynaud #42, Zach LaVine #8, and De’Andre Hunter #15 at halftime against the Los Angeles Clippers at Golden 1 Center on February 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 Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

More on Doug Christie & Zach LaVine

Amick said it was early to press the organization on Christie’s future, but the coach’s situation is tied to general manager Scott Perry’s own standing.

Once a team makes a coaching change during a difficult season, Amick said, “the spotlight shifts to you.” Perry could stand by Christie and hope the roster surprises people, or make a change that brings his own decisions under scrutiny sooner.

Zach LaVine’s contract creates a separate challenge. The multi-time All-Star is set to make $49 million in the final year of his deal.

If Perry is unwilling to take on salary beyond this season, even a strong year from LaVine might not be enough to generate many offers.

“I feel like I agree with that,” Amick said when asked whether LaVine could be effectively immovable under those conditions. “There are just easier ways for teams to get better in the way that Zach LaVine helps you get better without taking on a contract that uses a significant share of the salary cap.”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Zach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings poses for a picture during the Kings Media Day at Sacramento Kings Practice Facility on September 28, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Amick said Perry could reconsider his position closer to the deadline, especially if the Kings need a shakeup. He understands the value of holding firm in negotiations, but warned that standing pat for months could be difficult for fans to accept.

“I understand his logic,” Amick said. “But asking these fans to just kind of breathe that same air for the next six months is pretty brutal if you don’t have some shakeup along the way.”

Amick also recognized the case for patience. “Making rash moves and change for the sake of change is not necessarily a pathway to improvement either,” he said.

The challenge for Sacramento is finding a direction that gives the roster time to develop without asking fans to wait indefinitely for meaningful change.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports

• Shorthanded Clippers torch Kings in lackluster season-opener
• Mark Jones on the Kings’ keys to success in 2026-27
• Sacramento Kings fans rank 6th in Nielsen NBA Fandom Index
• Kenny Caraway wants to see an aggressive Zach LaVine

Sacramento Kings 2026-27 Regular Season Schedule

• Friday, October 23rd vs. Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 P.M. PT)
• Sunday, October 25th vs. Memphis Grizzlies (6:00 P.M. PT)
• Tuesday, October 27th @ San Antonio Spurs (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Thursday, October 29th @ New Orleans Pelicans (5:00 P.M. PT)
• Saturday, October 31st @ Memphis Grizzlies (5:00 P.M. PT)

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