Zach LaVine could likely be the first player out if the Sacramento Kings go on a rebuild, according to recent reports. Per Ashish Mathur of the Dallas Hoops Journal, general manager Scott Perry “desperately” wants to move the veteran guard amid the team’s 5-15 start.
During the Sacramento Kings’ 112-100 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, LaVine got into it with a courtside fan, who was escorted out of the arena after criticizing LaVine for his poor defense.
“Perry, who wasn’t a fan of LaVine’s game before taking the Kings job this offseason, has been telling people close to him that LaVine is a big reason why Sacramento is nearly dead last in the NBA in points per game allowed, sources said,” Mathur wrote.
“It will be intriguing to see if the Kings trade LaVine before the February trade deadline. Multiple reports have stated that Sacramento is looking to rebuild by trading its veterans,” he added.
Sacramento Kings Rumors: DeMar DeRozan is the “most likely to be moved”, per insider
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints recently claimed that the Sacramento Kings are exploring trading DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis, with DeRozan likely to go first, to kickstart their rebuild.
“Out of the three Kings stars, DeRozan is the most likely to be moved. More teams around the league can absorb his contract, and trading for DeRozan will be a desperation move for any playoff team wanting a mid-range scorer to help lead their second unit,” Siegel stated.
“Either way, DeRozan and his contract are basically viewed as a one-year rental, which is why he will have some suitors between now and February. Keep an eye on the Bucks, LA Clippers, Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers, and Memphis Grizzlies as suitable destinations for DeRozan,” he concluded.
