Report: Kings Could Trade For Bulls’ Zach LaVine

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Sacramento Kings could trade for Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine. 

“LaVine remains merely a backup option for the Sixers, sources said, but not a player whom Philadelphia truly covets with the team’s ocean of cap space,” Fischer reported. “If there’s any suitor for LaVine that seems most likely at this juncture, it would be the Kings. Sacramento remains active in exploring trade opportunities for Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter, league sources told Yahoo Sports, with Huerter receiving a healthy amount of external interest.”

The Bulls are attempting to trade LaVine this offseason after failing to find a taker for him at the trade deadline. LaVine played in only 25 games this season. He underwent season-ending right foot surgery in February.

A two-time All-Star, LaVine averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 2023-24 while shooting 45.2% from the field, 34.9% from beyond the arc and 85.4% from the free-throw line.

LaVine signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the Bulls in July 2022. He’ll make $43 million next season and $45 million in 2025-26.

A UCLA product, LaVine has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Timberwolves and Bulls.

A source told Hoops Wire that LaVine “would like” to get traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. LaVine, LeBron James and Anthony Davis have the same agent (Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group). 

However, the Lakers are not expected to pursue a LaVine trade, sources said. 

According to NBA reporter Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic, rival teams aren’t sure LaVine “is worth the commitment.” LaVine is coming off right foot surgery and has three years and $138 million left on his contract.

“LaVine’s name likely will be in trade rumors for the remainder of his career,” Mayberry wrote. “His strengths, weaknesses, contract, ego and injury history combine to form a fabulous but flawed talent, one capable of helping any team but only under the right conditions.

“It all makes LaVine a difficult fit. The Bulls have outgrown him. Rival teams aren’t sure LaVine is worth the commitment. LaVine is coming off right foot surgery and has three years and $138 million left on his contract.”