The Sacramento Kings recent hiring of new GM Scott Perry could spell trouble for Zach LaVine in the coming months. The Kings missed out on the playoffs after failing to win their play-in game against the Dallas Mavericks. Almost immediately afterward, the previous GM, Monte McNair, was fired, and Perry was hired. It wasn’t the first major move Sacramento had made this season, and it likely won’t be the last move to be made before next season begins. For LaVine, who was brought over at the trade deadline after the Kings moved on from De’Aaron Fox, his future appears uncertain, as with some other members of the Kings roster. According to reports, Perry might see fit to move on from LaVine, as past comments about the star forward given by the new GM have re-surfaced, sparking speculation.
Kings’ Scott Perry Hire Spells Uncertainty for 2x All-Star
Past Scott Perry remarks toward Sacramento Kings’ Zach LaVine hint at offseason separation
The 2024-25 season for the Kings was among the most disappointing for any team this year. Sacramento took a huge step forward in the 2023-24 season by making the playoffs under then-head coach Mike Brown. Over the summer, the Kings acquired 3x All-NBA player DeMar DeRozan to team up beside Fox and Domantas Sabonis. Well, it didn’t take long for Brown to lose his job after a poor start to the year. Subsequently, Fox was traded—the face of the franchise. LaVine’s addition was meant to help fill the void left by Fox, but it didn’t pan out that way.
With the Kings getting an early start to their offseason, Perry has made some public statements regarding the state of the franchise and its roster. He recently revealed a plan to move forward, and his latest comments indicate he has no plans to blow the team up. If Kings fans thought a rebuild of sorts was on the way, Perry appears to have opposing ideas, which may involve LaVine. According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, LaVine could be on his way out. The speculation derives from years-past comments directed toward LaVine in a not-so-flattering way that have nowresurfaced.
According to Stein and Fischer’s report, Perry wasn’t impressed with LaVine’s leadership on the court and criticized his ability to elevate his teammates. These comments would have never seen the light of day had Perry not arrived in Sacramento. Considering the changed circumstances, Perry’s remarks might hold some weight. How it affects LaVine remains to be seen.
More changes to come?
Set aside LaVine, and the Kings have to figure out what to do with DeRozan and Sabonis as well. Recent comments from DeRozan indicate he is uncertain about wanting to stay in Sacramento. Sabonis has also surfaced in possible trade conversations, although they haven’t risen to the level of full-on rumors yet.
As Perry has said, he has no intentions of tearing down the roster. This means that some, if not most, current Kings players are likely safe. That said, either DeRozan or Sabonis could request trades, and Perry would have to deal with that. Generally, it’s safe to assume the Kings are heading into an uncertain summer regarding some players and where Doug Christie lies in Perry’s plans. As for LaVine, new management might already be hunting for ways to jettison him. In that case, LaVine will play elsewhere next year.
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