Report: Zach LaVine is open to being traded to the Sacramento Kings
Dec 18, 2023, 2:33 PM
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 03: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Brooklyn Nets in the first half of the NBA In-Season Tournament at the United Center on November 03, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
It’s no secret that Sacramento Kings’ general manager Monte McNair and the rest of his front office staff are expected to search for potential trades. They’ve made a handful of moves since taking over in 2020, leading to their current group ranking fifth in the Western Conference with a 15-9 record.
On Monday morning, Sam Amick of The Athletic provided additional context to some common names from this season’s rumor mill. Zach LaVine, represented by Klutch Sports founder Rich Paul, is a known candidate for a change of scenery.
In Amick’s reporting, Paul countered the often-heard statement that Klutch clients would prefer to make their way to the Los Angeles Lakers alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He highlighted that “he has clients on 24 of the 30 teams in the Association (including four on the current Lakers team).”
More importantly, from the Kings’ perspective, how does De’Aaron Fox’s signing with Klutch Sports last season factor into the Zach LaVine conversation?
For all the public focus on the prospect of James and Davis teaming up with LaVine with the Lakers, the overlooked part is that Kings star De’Aaron Fox is a major priority for Klutch Sports these days as well. Per league sources, LaVine would be very amenable to a Sacramento move that would make him Fox’s backcourt mate.
- Sam Amick, The Athletic
Sacramento’s recent defensive improvements and subsequent struggles on the other end, relative to their previously league-leading offensive rating, have led to their potential improvements “appears to be on the value of (additional) shooting — and offense — above all else,” per the reporting.
Zach LaVine certainly fits that description, and there is a belief that his substantial contract could lessen Chicago’s potential asking price.
Also mentioned in Amick’s reporting
- It seems highly unlikely that the Sacramento Kings will move on from Keegan Murray, especially after his 47-point historic performance
- While the Kings have been linked to Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby in the past, their (expected) pending free agency causes “Those two particular prospects appear unlikely at the moment,”
- “Anunoby, more specifically, does not appear to be of significant interest to the Kings.”
When is the next Sacramento Kings game?
Sacramento will continue its six-game home stand on Monday night against a Washington Wizards team that will be on a back-to-back after facing Phoenix on Sunday.
Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Wizards coverage, beginning at 5:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 7:00 PM PST tip-off from Golden 1 Center.
Upcoming Schedule
- Monday, December 18th – Sacramento Kings vs. Washington Wizards – 7:00 PM PST
- Wednesday, December 20th – Sacramento Kings vs. Boston Celtics – 7:00 PM PST
- Friday, December 22nd – Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns – 7:00 PM PST
- Saturday, December 23rd – Sacramento Kings vs. Minnesota Timberwolves – 7:00 PM PST
- Tuesday, December 26th – Sacramento Kings @ Portland Trail Blazers – @ 7:00 PM PST
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