MASSIVE: Kings set to sign in a winger and two-time NBA All-Star from chicago bulls

The Kings will probably be aggressive buyers in the trade market over the offseason and will need to introduce a retooled roster for the 2024–25 NBA season.

Zach LaVine, a winger for the Chicago Bulls, is one guy to keep an eye on as the rumors heat up. LaVine attempted to join Sacramento a few summers ago.

LaVine, 29, has had difficulty staying on the court lately. But according to former Kings head coach Jerry Reynolds, who discussed a possible Sacramento-LaVine union with Kevin Gleason on SacTown Sports’ “The Drive Guys” last Wednesday, the big-time scorer is a risk worth taking.

Reynolds said to Gleason, “Well, yeah, you’ve got to kind of try to be creative as you can.” Since the Kings don’t have many opportunities for improvement, some chances will undoubtedly need to be taken. Other than his health, Zach’s contract is the biggest concern. Therefore, unless you could, you know, essentially make it work contractually, you couldn’t possible enter into that. Naturally, this also entails doing away with contracts.

“You may be becoming more famous, but you’re losing depth.”

LaVine, who is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, is expected to earn an additional $164 million in his career, or around $43 million, according to Spotrac.

LaVine starts the 2024–25 season as a two-time NBA All-Star who has averaged 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 580 games across his ten-year NBA career, despite playing just 25 games as a result of season-ending surgery on his right foot. One of the most versatile scorers in the game, LaVine is an outstanding finisher and 3-point shooter with a percentage of 38.2.

Reynolds pointed out that LaVine will require depth and come at a high cost. But if Sacramento is to contend for an NBA title, they will have to find a method to replace their role players, or trade the No. 13th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft for a star player.

Reynolds said, “Well, three [players] would do it.” Three could definitely pull it off. perhaps even two. I’m not at all certain that [Harrison] Barnes and [Kevin] Huerter wouldn’t do it, you know. You might need to add anything there, after all. No, I wouldn’t part with my first-round selection.

But really, the money is the risk. However, I constantly ask: who wins the best player in a deal if the money and length are roughly the same at the end, as they would be? You’re getting the most gifted player, assuming he stays healthy and you anticipate him being healthy for some time.

LaVine and the Kings have a lengthy history together.

Notably, in the 2018 offseason, he accepted a fully guaranteed four-year offer sheet from Sacramento worth around to $80 million; however, Chicago promptly called off any possible collaboration.

However, LaVine’s passion for the Kings has endured. “LaVine would be very amenable to a Sacramento move that would make him [De’Aaron] Fox’s backcourt mate,” according to Sam Amick of The Athletic in December.

In the NBA’s young, star-studded Western Conference, a core of Fox, Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray (who Reynolds is adamant about keeping out of trade talks), and LaVine would be formidable.

Additionally, Sacramento is aiming for more than just postseason berths after snapping a 16-year NBA playoff drought two seasons ago. Furthermore, the Kings’ elimination in the NBA Play-In Tournament by the New Orleans Pelicans without Zion Williamson this season was a step backward; significant progress and star power are required.

Reynolds continued, “You’ve got some established stars, guys, and a quality coach in Mike Brown.” LaVine would have to realize that he needs to blend in with Fox and Sabonis. He has also been documented as saying that he would like to visit this place.

He is a man from California. And while things have changed and for certain individuals it has been a problem in the past with the Kings, it is still disappointing for him to come out and say, “Yeah, I’d like to be there.” That’s positive.

LaVine, a former UCLA Bruin, is frequently brought up in trade speculations pertaining to teams in California. The front staff of the Kings should be intrigued by his unique interest to Sacramento.

There’s a good chance LaVine won’t be playing for the Bulls the next season, king or not. The team’s dismal records and finishes, along with the rise of rookie talent Coby White, may have made Chicago consider parting ways with the very skilled No. 8.

LaVine might be acquired by Sacramento for a reasonable price from a Chicago team willing to reduce payroll as it prepares for the future. Reynolds sincerely hopes that’s true.