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Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
A new Sacramento Kings rumor claims the team had the chance to move Zach LaVine last season for a four-time All-Star but passed on the idea for a surprising reason.
It’s no secret that Kings general manager Scott Perry has been looking to move LaVine’s contract for a while. Although he is still a good player, he is not worth the $47 million he made last season or the $48 million he’ll earn in 2026-27. Unfortunately, and unsurprisingly, no team has been interested in taking on the money owed to the two-time All-Star.
However, that will likely change before the next trade deadline since LaVine is on an expiring contract. However, it seems that the Kings did have a chance to trade the guard for a multi-time All-Star last year but balked at the idea, according to Sacramento insider James Ham.
“The Kings had been offered Trae Young at one point in exchange for Zach LaVine. LaVine to Atlanta and Trae Young to the Sacramento Kings.”
– James Ham
Why did the Sacramento Kings turn down a Zach LaVine for Trae Young swap last season?
On paper, that swap would seem like a worthwhile deal for the Kings. This offseason, Young was heading into the final year of his contract that included an opt-out. If he hit the open market, the team could either try and re-sign him or open up a lot of cap space. If he opted in, they would have a four-time All-Star point guard for a season. So why didn’t a deal happen?
Well, according to Ham, “They said no because they knew that the second he got off a plane, he would want an extension, and the Kings were not fully prepared to be in the long-term Trae Young business.” What Sacramento was unwilling to do, the Washington Wizards did in a big way this year.
After trading for him last season, the Wizards gave Young a massive four-year, $212 million extension. A deal Sacramento would not have even considered.