Kings' Plans Hint At Zach LaVine's Future With Team

The Sacramento Kings' offseason may be over after the Elfrid Payton signing, but that doesn't mean their work on the rebuild is anywhere near done, with a large 2027 offseason looming.

The Kings continue to get linked to both Jalen Duren and Jonathan Kuminga, and while a sign-and-trade for the All-Star center is still technically in play, it seems likely that Duren will return to Detroit one way or another. But looking ahead to next offseason, Sacramento could have a chance to bring in both free agents.

In order to do so, the Kings will need all the money they can get. Duren will need a max contract to lure him in, and while Kuminga won't be as expensive, it's clear he's looking for his next big payday. Luckily for the Kings, that's easily said and done, with a small caveat: Zach LaVine will have to finish the season with the team.

Money Off The Books

Scott Perry may not have been able to trade LaVine this offseason, but arguably the best thing about LaVine entering this season is that he's on an expiring $49 million contract. For years, the large contract has plagued him, but especially in the new NBA landscape with the aprons, that's a huge amount of cap relief for the Kings next season.

Trading LaVine and getting back a young asset or some picks would be great, but him remaining on the Kings isn't necessarily the worst thing, and looking ahead, it looks like a huge part of the Kings' plans for the 2027 offseason.

There's always the possibility that the Kings get back just picks and more expiring contracts for LaVine at this year's deadline, but that's difficult to do with his large salary. With all that in mind, it may benefit the Kings the most to just hang on to the veteran shooting guard and take advantage of the expiring money themselves, especially if it helps land Duren.

An Awkward Year?