Zach LaVine is the Sacramento Kings' biggest trade domino, but his value is low, and he has to raise it before the trade deadline next season.
LaVine could be a nice addition to a contending team that needs an efficient three-level scorer. His $49 million salary and role on the Kings make it difficult for suitors to justify acquiring his services.
They likely don't have the salary needed to package without gutting their roster, and also have a franchise player leading the charge. All signs point to the 12-year veteran needing to adapt to a lesser role while remaining efficient.
Matt George, host of "The Matt George Podcast," believes contending teams could call Sacramento if LaVine has an efficient year reminiscent of the 2023-24 and 2020-21 seasons.
"I think there are a lot of teams that might naturally toss out Zach LaVine's losing and the Kings' record as, 'Ah, it's more of a Kings problem than it is a Zach LaVine problem if he's shooting efficiently,'" George said on Wednesday's episode.
LaVine shot 50% from the field and 40% from three in the 2023-24 and 2020-21 seasons. Shooting over 80% from the free-throw line prevented him from joining the prestigious 50/40/90 club.
Teams value that kind of efficiency. The catch is LaVine putting up those numbers while fitting in alongside rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr., who could be the No. 1 option next season.
He can score in bunches as an off-ball player. The 31-year-old can nail catch-and-shoot threes and attack closeouts to create separation for a stepback or drive to the rim.
His skill set is valuable for a second or third option, who can scale up to be the first option on some nights. George discussed a hypothetical scenario involving the Golden State Warriors.
He said the Warriors could plug LaVine into coach Steve Kerr's system next to Steph Curry. There would be defensive concerns in the backcourt, but the 6-foot-5 guard could be the second option Golden State has lacked with Jimmy Butler recovering from a torn ACL.
Sacramento likely isn't in a hurry to trade LaVine, settling for a discount price. General manager Scott Perry wants the team to get younger, and Golden State does not have young players to trade to the Kings.
That's the dilemma in any LaVine trade scenario. There are too many moving pieces right now that limit these possibilities, but that could change before the deadline.
For now, the 12-year veteran is likely starting his second full season in Sacramento. It could be an adjustment year for LaVine with Acuff entering the fray and his development being prioritized as a potential franchise player.
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