Sources: Zach LaVine will not be bought out by Sacramento
Zach LaVine is expected to remain the Kings' starting shooting guard, as Carmichael Dave says sources denied reports of a potential buyout.
Watch: Sources: There is NO BUYOUT coming for Zach LaVine | 4 mins
Reports suggesting the Sacramento Kings could buy out Zach LaVine appear to have little basis in reality.
During Sactown Sports’ The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross, Carmichael Dave said he reached out to sources after rumors surfaced over the weekend claiming Sacramento had not promised LaVine a role and could eventually pursue a contract buyout.
According to Dave, those reports were quickly shot down.
“I checked in with people that know things because that just sounded out of character,” Dave said. “There’s no advantage to that.”
The response he received was even more direct.
“I was told quite bluntly, ‘LOL,'” Dave said. “‘No, that’s not the case. He will be our starting two, and we expect him to excel, and we’re not buying him out–at least not anytime soon. Hasn’t even been a discussion.'”
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 Kings guard Zach LaVine
The comments reinforce what has been the expectation throughout the offseason: Zach LaVine is expected to play a major role for the Kings during the 2026-27 season rather than being pushed aside in favor of younger players.
LaVine exercised his $49 million player option earlier this offseason, putting him on an expiring contract entering his age-31 season.
While his contract has naturally made him a frequent subject of trade speculation, a buyout would have made little sense for Sacramento, especially with the veteran guard still capable of producing at a high level when healthy.
Despite appearing in just 39 games because of injury last season, LaVine averaged 19.2 points per game while shooting 48 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range.
When healthy, he remained one of Sacramento’s most efficient offensive players.
His expiring contract could also become one of the Kings’ most valuable trade assets if the organization decides to pivot before the NBA trade deadline.
Zach Lavine #8 of the Sacramento Kings warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on December 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Rather than paying Zach LaVine to leave, Sacramento would have every incentive to let him rebuild his value on the court and revisit the trade market later in the season if the right opportunity presents itself.
For now, though, indications are the Kings have no plans to move in that direction.
Instead, the expectation inside the organization is that LaVine will open the season as Sacramento’s starting shooting guard and play a prominent role in the offense.
Whether that leads to a play-in push or eventually increases his value ahead of the trade deadline remains to be seen, but as of now, reports of a potential buyout appear to be nothing more than offseason speculation.
Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?
The start of the 2026-27 season is quickly approaching for Zach LaVine 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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Comments
1 Comments
I don't think any one ever officially made the statement the KIngs actually were going to or even thinking of buying him out...it was proposed by Ham as a question on Locked On Kings.