Zach LaVine, 30, is set to exercise his $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season, keeping him with the Sacramento Kings, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto on a YES Network segment with Chris Shearn.
LaVine is in the fourth year of his five-year, $215 million contract and has been sidelined since February 13 due to season-ending surgery on his right hand. Before the injury, he averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game over 39 appearances this season.
The Kings, who are 21–57 and already eliminated from playoff contention, will have LaVine on the books as they evaluate offseason options, including potential trades. Scotto noted that LaVine has been considered a trade candidate in the past, but exercising the option ensures the team retains flexibility for the upcoming season.
Sacramento will also face decisions regarding other key players. Domantas Sabonis, 29, underwent season-ending knee surgery in February, while DeMar DeRozan, 36, has a partially guaranteed $10 million contract remaining. Malik Monk, 27, remains day-to-day with a shoulder issue, further complicating roster planning.
LaVine’s scoring and perimeter shooting remain central to Sacramento’s long-term strategy. This season, he shot 47.9% from the field and 39% from three-point range.
The Kings will enter the offseason with multiple assets available for trade discussions, but locking in LaVine for another year provides stability. His player option decision allows Sacramento to approach the 2026-27 campaign with a proven scorer and veteran presence, while evaluating potential roster upgrades around him.
