NBA Notes: Kings, Zach LaVine, Mavericks, Naji Marshall, Lonnie Walker IV

Kings

Zach LaVine picked up his $49 million player option. What happens next is anyone’s guess.

The Kings have made no promises to LaVine regarding his role next season, according to James Ham of ESPN 1320, The Kings Beat and Locked On Kings.

Ham said Sacramento has been honest with LaVine for months about its plans. The two-time All-Star isn’t viewed as part of the team’s long-term future, and the Kings have no interest in signing him to an extension.

Sacramento was willing to assist with a sign-and-trade before LaVine exercised his option. That possibility is now off the table.

A buyout remains possible, though Ham said general manager Scott Perry has not made meaningful progress toward one. The Kings also have no intention of waiving LaVine and using the stretch provision to spread the remaining money across multiple seasons.

“I was told very specifically by someone I trust with the Sacramento Kings that they have absolutely no interest in stretching him,” Ham said.

So LaVine may simply remain on the roster.

Ham considers him Sacramento’s second-best player and believes his scoring could help take pressure off rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. LaVine could even start and play significant minutes if he helps the Kings win.

There are questions about whether a LaVine-Acuff backcourt can defend well enough to succeed. There are also the usual health concerns after LaVine appeared in just 39 games last season.

The Kings don’t see LaVine as part of the future. But at $49 million, he may remain part of the present.

Mavericks

The Mavericks have rewarded Naji Marshall for the best season of his career.

Dallas signed Marshall to a three-year, $52.2 million extension, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. The contract is fully guaranteed and will begin in 2027-28 after Marshall earns $9.4 million next season.

“Naji has earned this opportunity through the way he approaches the game every day,” Mavericks president Masai Ujiri said. “His versatility, toughness and willingness to embrace every challenge make him an important part of what we’re building.”

Marshall averaged career highs of 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals in 74 appearances last season. He started 47 games.

The 28-year-old has struggled from the perimeter, shooting 30 percent from beyond the arc during his career. But he has developed into an efficient finisher, complementary playmaker and versatile defender.

Marc Stein of The Stein Line reported that Dallas has consistently rejected trade interest in Marshall. The extension offers further evidence that the Mavericks view him as a keeper.

Marshall will also switch from No. 13 to No. 3 next season.

Free agency

Lonnie Walker IV may be headed to another EuroLeague team instead of returning to the NBA.

Walker and Maccabi Tel Aviv are working toward a separation despite the guard remaining under contract, according to Tomer Givati of Israel Hayom.

Partizan Belgrade is considered the favorite to sign Walker, with Dubai Basketball and Real Madrid also showing interest.

Walker met with NBA teams during Las Vegas Summer League before his July 15 opt-out deadline, but no deal materialized.

The 27-year-old has seven seasons of NBA experience and most recently played for the 76ers during the 2024-25 season. He has spent most of the past two years overseas with Zalgiris Kaunas and Maccabi.