NBA Notes: Bucks, Zach LaVine, Kings, Sixers, Paul George, Nets, Danny Wolf

Bucks

The Bucks have recently done background work on Kings guard Zach LaVine as they continue exploring ways to upgrade the roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.

League sources told Amick that Milwaukee has revisited LaVine’s situation in Sacramento, noting the Bucks have shown interest in the two-time All-Star in the past.

Sacramento remains open to discussions involving LaVine as it evaluates its roster direction.

LaVine, 30, is owed $47.5 million this season and holds a $48.9 million player option for 2026-27, a figure that looms over any potential trade talks. NBA insider Marc Stein has suggested LaVine’s market could widen if he were willing to decline that option and negotiate a longer-term deal at a lower annual number.

On the court, LaVine is averaging 20.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting efficiently, including nearly 39 percent from three-point range.

Still, questions persist internally in Sacramento. Sources told DallasHoopsJournal that Kings general manager Scott Perry has grown frustrated with LaVine’s defensive engagement during the team’s early struggles, a sentiment shared by coach Doug Christie.

76ers

Coach Nick Nurse has increasingly leaned on Paul George as a point forward, and the results have been encouraging. George has totaled 13 assists over his last three games, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, while taking on more ball-handling responsibility.

“I’m comfortable with the ball,” George said. “It’s about trusting my body and gaining confidence on the floor. I’m just adding to that confidence and building toward the season.”

The shift has given Philadelphia another playmaking option while easing pressure elsewhere in the lineup, particularly as the Sixers look to stabilize their rotations.

Nets

Nets rookie big man Danny Wolf continued his strong stretch Friday, scoring 17 points with seven rebounds in a loss to Dallas.

He is averaging 13.5 points over his last six games and has clearly benefited from a recent stint in the G League, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post.

“When he had the opportunity to play with Long Island, he took advantage of his minutes,” coach Jordi Fernandez said. “Now that he’s in the rotation, he’s taking advantage of his minutes. He’s a special player because at his size he can do so many different things.”

Another Nets rookie, Egor Demin, saw his role shrink late as Brooklyn unraveled in crunch time. Demin played just over two minutes in the fourth quarter, and Fernandez did not mince words afterward.

“He was trying to fix mistakes by trying to make things happen,” Fernandez said. “That’s not how the team needs him to play. He’s got to be better, otherwise the minutes are going to go down.”