Kings reportedly leave door open to moving Zach LaVine

When Zach LaVine picked up his $49 million player option in late June, the Kings apparently made one thing clear:

Nothing was guaranteed.

Speaking on ESPN 1320 Sacramento, Kings insider James Ham said the organization told LaVine it wasn’t promising him a starting job, a certain number of minutes or even a long-term future with the franchise.

“They’ve been honest with him,” Ham said. “‘Look, all bets are off if you opt in.’”

According to Ham, Sacramento viewed LaVine’s decision as a business move. The Kings, meanwhile, reserved the right to make one of their own.

“We can try to find you a place to play,” Ham said the team’s message essentially was.

That’s noteworthy because LaVine’s name has surfaced in trade speculation for much of the offseason, even though moving his contract remains easier said than done.

At $49 million for next season, LaVine won’t have many suitors unless Sacramento is willing to absorb unwanted salary or include additional assets.

The alternative, at least eventually, could be a buyout if both sides determine it’s the best path forward.

At this point, it sounds as if the Kings are leaving every option on the table.

Whether that means LaVine opens the season as Sacramento’s starting shooting guard or is wearing another uniform by the trade deadline remains to be seen.