NBA Rumors: Kings, Zach LaVine, Timberwolves, Coby White, Mavericks

Kings

Moving Zach LaVine’s maximum-salary contract without attaching a draft pick would be difficult, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic, and that reality is shaping Sacramento’s approach ahead of the trade deadline.

Amick reports that Kings general manager Scott Perry views the team’s draft assets as foundational to a potential reset and has little interest in using them as sweeteners.

Because of that, there is a “very real chance” LaVine remains in Sacramento beyond the deadline. The same could apply to other veteran trade candidates, including Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan, as Perry continues to preach patience while trying to reshape the roster.

League sources told The Athletic that Sabonis has “heeded that call” and is prepared to stay with the Kings for the foreseeable future.

Teams such as the Wizards, Suns, and Bulls have shown interest in Sabonis in the past and could again, but his contract complicates any potential deal.

Outside of the veteran core, guard Keon Ellis remains Sacramento’s most intriguing trade chip leaguewide. However, the Kings have not ruled out keeping Ellis and exploring an extension once he becomes eligible later this season.

Timberwolves

The Timberwolves do have interest in Bulls guard Coby White, a team source confirmed to The Athletic.

That said, White’s expected payday in the offseason could limit Minnesota’s willingness to meet Chicago’s asking price, as the Wolves may view him more as a short-term addition than a long-term solution.

Mavericks

Despite early-season struggles, Dallas may not be headed for a sell-off. One league source told Amick that the Mavericks are still considering ways to upgrade their current core rather than pivoting toward deadline moves that signal retreat.

As Amick notes, Dallas currently sits in the play-in range, and with Kyrie Irving expected back from his ACL injury later this season, the front office has not ruled out making a push to stay relevant in the Western Conference race.