Zach LaVine To Exercise $49MM Player Option

LaVine’s decision leaves Sacramento about $16MM above the tax line, $13MM over the first tax apron and just about at the second apron, according to Bobby Marks of ESPN (Twitter link). A recent report stated that the Kings may end up using the stretch provision to waive DeMar DeRozan, who only has a $10MM guarantee on his $25.7MM salary for next season.

At age 31, LaVine no longer fits into the long-term plans for the rebuilding Kings, and he and his representatives were reportedly given the chance to explore possible sign-and-trade opportunities before making his option decision.

Injuries continue to plague LaVine, who underwent season-ending hand surgery in mid-February. The injury was to his right fifth finger tendon.

LaVine was only available for 39 games this season and averaged 19.2 PPG, his lowest scoring rate since 2017/18. He also posted career lows in assists (2.3) and rebounds (2.8).

The Kings decided to gamble on LaVine, acquiring him from Chicago in a three-team deal at the 2025 trade deadline. It hasn’t worked out like they hoped, and they’ll likely try to find a taker for him up to the 2027 deadline, although his salary will make that difficult unless he has a significant improvement in health and production. LaVine could emerge as a buyout candidate once the deadline passes.