Kings unlikely to buy out or trade Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine apparently isn’t headed for the buyout market.

The Kings are not considering buying out the two-time All-Star guard, contrary to recent speculation, a league source told Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee.

Sacramento expects LaVine to compete and play well in the final season of the five-year, $215.2 million contract he originally signed with the Bulls. LaVine exercised his $49 million player option rather than pursuing another opportunity this summer.

A trade is also considered highly unlikely because of that salary, Anderson reported.

The expectation, then, is that LaVine will spend next season with the Kings before becoming an unrestricted free agent. His contract coming off the books would give general manager Scott Perry considerably more financial flexibility next summer.

The recent buyout chatter grew from comments James Ham made during an appearance on ESPN 1320’s “D-Lo & KC” show.

Ham was discussing what might make sense for the Kings and LaVine, not reporting that the team had entered buyout negotiations.

His hypothetical comments were subsequently turned into reports that Sacramento was actively considering the move.

The Kings could waive LaVine and spread his remaining salary across three years using the stretch provision, but they have shown no interest in doing so, per Anderson. A direct buyout would also be difficult given how much money LaVine is owed.

LaVine averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 39 games last season before undergoing surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right pinky finger. He shot 47.9 percent from the field and 39 percent on 3-pointers.

His long-term future in Sacramento remains uncertain.

His immediate future appears much clearer. The Kings expect him to play.