The Milwaukee Bucks are monitoring Zach LaVine’s situation in Sacramento, according to a new report from Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Though it doesn’t sound all that serious on the Bucks side, Scotto provided some context.
“The Milwaukee Bucks have conducted background due diligence on LaVine and others around the league, as usual, sources told HoopsHype. However, nothing is imminent as Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo nears a return from a low-grade adductor strain.
Should Milwaukee’s interest in LaVine become more serious, it’s worth noting that Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma and Kings Governor Vivek Ranadive both invested in a new women’s professional sports venture called Major League Volleyball, and Kuzma has been linked to the Kings via trade rumors for several seasons.”
LaVine’s contract includes $47.5 million this season and $48.97 million player option next season. The money situation would probably require some maneuvering by including other teams. A report earlier this week indicated LaVine’s trade market could open up if LaVine were to bypass his player option. A 30-year-old Kyle Kuzma would not fit into the idea of a rebuild on the floor, but his contract this year ($22 million) and next ($20 million) is a lot cheaper than LaVine’s and would be an expiring deal next season.
Some other tidbits from Scotto’s report:
“Sabonis has been disappointed with Sacramento’s downward trajectory since reaching the playoffs and his usage at times under coach Doug Christie”
“Many executives around the league have been surprised by Ellis’ declining playing time with the Kings this season despite his valuable 3-and-D skillset. Some executives around the league were surprised when the Kings didn’t decline Ellis’ $2.3 million team option for this season and work on a new deal with him when he would’ve been a restricted free agent this past summer and had leverage.”
The Indiana Pacers are one of the teams showing some interest in Keon Ellis.
As always with these reports, you have to wonder who is saying what and for what purpose. There are reasons these things surface so it all must be taken with a grain of salt. There are a lot of reports trickling out about the Kings, so all stakeholders involved, including agents and the Kings themselves, are likely trying to get their angles into the discussion.