Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine. Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Surprising team floated as potential Zach LaVine suitor

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 12/18/23

Zach LaVine's future with the Chicago Bulls continues to be a hot topic.

The two-time All-Star is widely expected to leave the Eastern Conference franchise before the February 8 trade deadline. As a member of the Klutch Sports agency, LaVine has widely been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, Sam Amick of The Athletic has recently reported that a potential deal with the Sacramento Kings would also be something LaVine would consider. The trade would pair LaVine with fellow Klutch client De'Aaron Fox and create a dynamic backcourt for the Kings.

"For all the public focus on the prospect of James and Davis teaming up with LaVine with the Lakers, the overlooked part is that Kings star De’Aaron Fox is a major priority for Klutch Sports these days as well," Amick wrote. "Per league sources, LaVine would be very amenable to a Sacramento move that would make him Fox’s backcourt mate."

NBA trade deadline season column…

Talking Zach LaVine-Lakers rumors with agent Rich Paul, the Kings’ next steps and Lauri Markkanen unplugged, at @TheAthletic https://t.co/UTO5QLZ89b
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) December 18, 2023

Since Mike Brown was instilled as the Kings head coach, they have played an exciting brand of offense. LaVine's addition would provide the roster with another playmaker and scorer who could help ease the defensive pressure Fox faces on a nightly basis. However, the Kings' defense would likely take an unwanted hit due to LaVine's limitations on that side of the court.

Furthermore, LaVine's current salary of $43 million per year could be enough to derail the Kings' chances of upgrading their team in the near future. They would be tied into their new backcourt partnership for at least two years. After over a decade of being a struggling franchise, Sacramento is finally heading in the right direction. It will likely do significant due diligence before adding anyone via trade, especially someone who earns as much as LaVine.

Having an agent connection doesn't mean a deal is the right move. The Kings may be on the hunt for upgrades, but future flexibility has to be a factor in any deal they make. Things are going good in Sacramento right now. LaVine could propel the Kings to new heights, or he could hamstring the team in the coming years and lock it into a cycle of being good but not good enough. Kings fans already know how that feels, and will likely want to avoid it happening to this current iteration of their roster.

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