fr0]SACRAMENTO — The Sacramento Kings sit at 5-14 and hold the 13th seed in the Western Conference. Tankathon’s latest 2026 projection places them seventh in the lottery, which positions the franchise to draft a meaningful cornerstone next to Nique Clifford and Keegan Murray. That context makes Sacramento’s direction clear. They are sellers as the trade deadline approaches, and the front office has begun to pivot toward a full reset. Zach LaVine trade rumors hang over the entire Kings organization because it forces Scott Perry to address the franchise’s most uncomfortable problem.
Scott Perry Is Trying To Resolve The Kings’ Elephant In the Room: Zach LaVine
The Elephant in the Room
LaVine’s inconsistent effort on defense has irritated Perry and head coach Doug Christie. Ashish Mathur reported that the general manager “desperately” wants to trade shooting guard LaVine, a view that aligns with broader concerns inside the building. The frustration continues to grow despite his strong offensive numbers. He’s averaging 20.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 49 percent from the field, 37.5 percent from deep and 89.7 percent at the line. Those numbers look clean, but his $47.5 million cap hit complicates everything. However his $48.9 million player option for next season makes him easier to move. Perry may not want to wait until that option kicks in, even though he becomes an expiring at that point. Zach LaVine’s trade dilemma emerges from that unfortunate mix for the Kings of performance, salary and defensive liability.
A Trade That Aged Poorly
Sacramento acquired LaVine from Chicago as part of last season’s three-team De’Aaron Fox deal with San Antonio. The return confused many around the league, and the move now “continues to age like milk.” Perry never favored LaVine’s game before accepting the Kings job. Mathur revealed that the general manager believes LaVine is a major reason why Sacramento ranks near the bottom of the league in points allowed. Scott Perry has built a roster that requires steady defensive commitment, but LaVine’s approach has never aligned with this identity.
A Market With Few Suitors
Any team trading for LaVine must accept his defensive shortcomings. That means their defense must be strong enough to absorb them without cratering. That requirement shrinks his market to teams with elite anchors or overwhelming offensive needs. Milwaukee appears on the list because the Bucks want another star next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. LaVine’s scoring would help them, but the price could weaken their depth. There have been reports of the Bucks doing their “due diligence” on LaVine, though no momentum has formed. Atlanta could monitor the situation.
Washington, the Clippers and the Grizzlies also have theoretical paths, but each team would need to overlook major risks. Most should avoid the move entirely. Zach LaVine’s trade discussions remain active, but the outcome grows less likely each week. Teams are more wary of taking on big contracts in this apron era. Theq trade, if any, will show how risk-averse the league has become.
Perry’s Immediate Challenge
Scott Perry faces a difficult task. He must reshape a roster that needs defensive integrity and move a player who provides offense but drains stability. Sacramento is entering a rebuild, and LaVine does not fit its timeline or culture. The general manager knows it. The league knows it. The question now is who makes the first real offer.
© Dennis Lee-Imagn Images
The post Scott Perry Is Trying To Resolve The Kings’ Elephant In the Room appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.