Kings' Zach LaVine Keeps Future Plans Unclear

All-Star guard declines to commit to Sacramento long-term despite $49 million player option.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:12pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in deep purple, blue, and red tones, conveying the complex and uncertain future of the player's relationship with the team.An abstract visual representation of the uncertainty surrounding Zach LaVine's future with the Sacramento Kings.Today in Sacramento

Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine gave an unclear update on his future plans during his end-of-season exit interview, saying he will evaluate his options this offseason but emphasizing his desire to win. LaVine has a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season, but his long-term commitment to the struggling Kings franchise remains uncertain.

Why it matters

LaVine's decision on his player option will have major implications for the Kings' roster and direction heading into the offseason. If he opts out, the team could lose an All-Star-caliber player for nothing. If he opts in, they may have to explore trade options to get value before he potentially leaves in free agency a year later.

The details

When asked about his $49 million player option, LaVine said he will "go back and talk to my representative and figure out what's the best course of action." He also acknowledged his priority is to "win" and that "it wasn't the year we wanted" for the Kings, who finished 22-60. LaVine has been involved in trade rumors since last offseason, and the Kings could look to move him this summer if he seems unwilling to commit long-term.

  • LaVine has until June 29 to decide on his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season.

The players

Zach LaVine

A two-time NBA All-Star who was acquired by the Sacramento Kings in a trade last offseason. He is currently under a five-year, $215 million contract with a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season.

De'Aaron Fox

The former Kings point guard who was traded away in a three-team deal that brought LaVine to Sacramento.

Scott Perry

The general manager of the Sacramento Kings who may have to explore trade options for LaVine this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“I have a lot of control. I'll go back and talk to my representative and figure out what's the best course of action. I think that goes along with him as 'what's most important to you right now and what makes sense?' Obviously, having a player option is a good thing in my camp. We'll go back and look at everything, look at all the scenarios, watch the playoffs, and see what happens.”

— Zach LaVine, Kings Guard

“I mean, where I'm at in my career, we want to win. I'll speak for myself, obviously. It wasn't the year we wanted, and it wasn't the year I wanted individually. But, you know, take the cards that you're dealt and you keep moving forward. ... You go into the offseason, reevaluate, and you go from there.”

— Zach LaVine, Kings Guard

What’s next

The Kings will have to wait until June 29 to see if LaVine opts into his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season. If he does, the team may have to explore trade options this offseason to get value before he potentially leaves in free agency a year later.

The takeaway

LaVine's uncertain future in Sacramento highlights the difficult position the Kings find themselves in after acquiring the All-Star last offseason. The team must now weigh the risks of keeping LaVine on an expensive expiring contract versus trading him for assets, all while trying to rebuild a roster capable of winning and convincing their star to stay long-term.