Why Kings GM 'desperately' seeking Zach LaVine trade

The Sacramento Kings look like a team ready for a reset, and Zach LaVine appears to be at the center of it.

According to Ashish Mathur of Dallas Hoops Journal, general manager Scott Perry “desperately” wants to move the veteran guard as Sacramento continues to spiral through a 5-14 start.

Sources told Mathur that Perry and head coach Doug Christie have grown frustrated with LaVine’s effort and focus on the defensive end.

Sacramento acquired LaVine in last season’s three-team deal that sent De’Aaron Fox to San Antonio, but the fit has never truly materialized.

Scott Perry isn't high on Zach LaVine

Perry, who took over the front office this offseason, reportedly was not a fan of LaVine’s game even before stepping into the job.

Those close to the situation say Perry views LaVine as a major contributor to the Kings ranking near the bottom of the league in points allowed.

LaVine is earning $47.5 million this season and holds a $48.9 million player option for next year, a hefty number for a team already sliding toward a rebuild.

The production is still there. LaVine is averaging 20.1 points on efficient splits — 49.0 percent from the field, 37.5 percent from three and 89.7 percent from the line — but Christie has benched the former All-Star in multiple fourth quarters as the losses have mounted.

LaVine, 30, has played for the Timberwolves, Bulls and Kings and owns career averages of 20.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists. He has only reached the postseason once, back in 2022 with Chicago.

With the February 5 trade deadline now visible on the horizon, Sacramento is widely expected to explore veteran trades. The Bucks have already conducted background work on LaVine, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

How far the Kings push this rebuild may depend on what the market delivers for one of the league’s most polarizing scorers.