Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) dunks the ball during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center.
Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
Despite speculation of a potential buyout between Zach LaVine and the Sacramento Kings, both sides will reportedly stay together for the 2026-27 season. Ahead of a contract season, LaVine is expected to stay with the Kings.
The Kings have high hopes for LaVine's upcoming season, according to Locked On Kings' James Ham.
“According to that source, the Kings have no thought of buying out Zach LaVine at this time,” Ham said. “They also plan on him coming back and being ready to have a big year in what is a contract season for him. And according to that source, LaVine is aligned with this thinking. So again, at this point, the Kings and LaVine are tied to each other for the 2026-27 season.”
LaVine averaged 19.2 points on 47.9% shooting, including 39% from beyond the 3-point arc in 39 games for the Kings last season.
Zach LaVine's future with the Kings
Kings veteran guard Zach LaVine isn't expected to reach a buyout ahead of the 2026-27 season. LaVine, who could be traded mid-season, will most likely have to prove himself once again this upcoming season, according to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel.
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“There would be a lot of interest in a player like Zach LaVine, whether that be through the mid-level exception, minimum contract if he was to hit the open market. That’s not something that’s in play at this time,” Siegel said.
He later explained that neither LaVine nor the Kings have initiated conversations about a potential trade.
“Zach LaVine has not approached the Kings to ask for a buyout, and they're not actively going to engage in those conversations,” Siegel added.
“And the main reason why is he’s in the final year of a $40+ million contract and we saw just this past year, teams go out and trade for guys that were in the final year of their contract because… A, it frees up a lot of cap space and flexibility entering the offseason, and B, injuries are inevitable and teams underperform at some point heading into the trade deadline. So, he will have value come time for January and February.”
LaVine has been a name linked to the Heat as a potential target ahead of their first season with All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo.