NBA executives are keeping a close eye on Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis as the Sacramento Kings might look to trade at least one of them this offseason, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Sabonis has been putting up monster numbers despite getting no All-Star love. He’s led the NBA in rebounding for three straight seasons, which makes his All-Star snubs the past two years pretty hard to understand.
Since joining Sacramento, he’s been a triple-double machine, averaging 19.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game.
But that production comes with a hefty price tag.
Sabonis is owed a whopping $136.42 million over the next three seasons. His salary jumps to nearly $50 million in the final year of his deal in 2027-28. That’s serious money for a team that hasn’t made much playoff noise.
“Rival executives are monitoring whether Sabonis will eventually request a trade if Sacramento continues to sputter and not show improvement as anything more than a Play-In Team,” Scotto wrote.
The big man turns 30 next week, and patience might be running thin.
## LaVine’s Career Revival
LaVine’s story is one of redemption. After battling injuries with the Chicago Bulls last season, many people were ready to write him off.
But he’s bounced back in a big way with the Kings.
LaVine stayed healthy enough to play in 74 games this season while putting up some of the best shooting numbers of his career. He averaged 23.3 points while shooting a blistering 44.6% from three-point range.
That three-point percentage ranked second in the entire league.
The 30-year-old guard is making serious money too – he earned $44.53 million this season and is owed $47.49 million next year. His contract includes a player option worth nearly $49 million for 2026-27.
One complication for any potential trade: LaVine’s deal includes a 15% trade kicker, making him even more expensive to move.
## DeRozan’s Veteran Impact
DeRozan has been rock-solid for the Kings, averaging 22.2 points while shooting nearly 48% from the floor.
The veteran forward, who turns 36 in August, has been durable too, starting all 77 games he played in.
His contract situation makes him more tradeable than his star teammates. DeRozan is owed $24.75 million next season, and only $10 million of his $25.74 million salary for 2026-27 is guaranteed.
That partial guarantee gives the Kings flexibility.
Backup center Jonas Valanciunas is in a similar boat. He’s making $10.40 million this season, but his $10 million for 2026-27 isn’t guaranteed at all.
These non-guaranteed contracts make both DeRozan and Valanciunas much easier to move in potential trades.
The Kings have talent but haven’t been able to break through in the loaded Western Conference. Something’s gotta give, and one of these stars might soon be wearing a different uniform.
