Feb 8, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8), center Jonas Valaciunas (17) and forward Jake LaRavia (33) look up after pushing the button to light the beam after a win against the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Rival GM Admits 'Mistake' About New Kings Player

Originally posted on Sacramento Kings on SI
By Logan Struck | Last updated Apr 27, 2025 4:50 PM ET

The Sacramento Kings had an eventful 2025 trade deadline, headlined by shipping star point guard De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs, but another high-level move flew under the radar.

The Kings traded away Colby Jones, Alex Len, and a second-round pick in a three-team trade that brought in Jake LaRavia from the Memphis Grizzlies.

In 19 games with the Kings, LaRavia averaged 6.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.9 steals in just 19.3 minutes per contest, shooting 43.8% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range. LaRavia became a huge piece in Sacramento's second unit, and although his future as a King is shaky due to contract limitations, he became a fan favorite.

Jake LaRavia spinning & euro-stepping to the cup ‍

OKC/SAC on TNT pic.twitter.com/EZcVltfB9O
— NBA (@NBA) March 26, 2025

Of course, many fans would have liked to see more from LaRavia, rather than a likely 19-game rental, but there is still a chance they can bring him back.

After the season, LaRavia talked about his opportunity in Sacramento, saying he was "very happy this was the team I got traded to."

Jake LaRavia said he thought getting traded to Sacramento “was a very beneficial thing.”

“Very happy this was the team I got traded to.”

He also said he “would enjoy” Christie getting the HC job. pic.twitter.com/ncvaRYU0LK
— Brenden Nunes (@BrendenNunesNBA) April 17, 2025

The 23-year-old guard could re-sign in Sacramento, even though he may get offered more from another franchise than the $5.1 million the Kings can offer him. Unfortunately, they are not the only franchise that wants him.

Memphis Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman got honest about getting rid of LaRavia, admitting that they made a mistake by declining his team option.

"I think we should’ve picked up Jake LaRavia’s team option. The mistake was there," Kleiman said. "I think Jake could’ve helped us down the stretch."

Zach Kleiman: “I think we should’ve picked up Jake LaRavia’s team option. The mistake was there.”

“I think Jake could’ve helped us down the stretch.”
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) April 27, 2025

The Grizzlies certainly could have used LaRavia in their first-round sweep against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he was ultimately a great asset to the Kings. It would be unfortunate if LaRavia has already played his last game in a Kings uniform, although it would not come to much of a surprise considering he will likely be a highly-coveted free agent this summer.

This article first appeared on Sacramento Kings on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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