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By Justin GrassoShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberIt’s the start of a new season, following the first full offseason as a member of the Sacramento Kings for Zach LaVine, but not much is different. With the Kings struggling to live up to early expectations, LaVine’s name is already in the trade rumor mill. It’s feeling like Chicago all over again.
A recent report from HoopsHype suggests that the Kings haven’t gained too much traction with trade discussions regarding the talented forward, but Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks seem to be `his most notable suitor at this time.
“The Milwaukee Bucks have conducted background due diligence on LaVine and others around the league, as usual, sources told HoopsHype. However, nothing is imminent as Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo nears a return from a low-grade adductor strain,” Michael Scotto of HoopsHype writes.
...Some dots can be connected between the Kings and one of Milwaukee’s most notable trade chips, Kyle Kuzma. Not only are Kuzma's teammates in the investment game with the Kings’ Governor Vivek Ranadive, but Sacramento has been linked to prior Kuzma trade rumors in the past.
While that doesn’t guarantee the Kings are still interested in Kuzma, who has struggled to reach expectations with the Bucks since getting moved to Milwaukee last season, it’s worth it to assume that he could be a replacement option if the Kings are indeed finished with the LaVine experiment.
Acquiring LaVine at this point wouldn’t handcuff the Bucks to him for long. While he’s getting paid a hefty $47.4 million for the 2025-2026 NBA season, he’s only left with a player option on his five-year deal. Next summer, LaVine has a $48.9 million decision to make. Considering he’s struggled to live up to the expectations of the $215 million deal, one might assume that taking the near-$50 million would be a no-brainer.
...The Bucks are under pressure to keep Giannis happy. They attempted to satisfy the superstar’s needs by acquiring Damian Lillard a few years ago, but that plan was cut short after the Bucks waived the star guard following the 2025 nBA Playoffs.
Giannis didn’t request a trade, but he publicly applied pressure. Fortunately for the Bucks, they started the year off strong. However, Antetokounmpo’s recent setback put the team in a tough spot. Heading into their Wednesday night clash against the Miami Heat, the Bucks are on a five-game losing streak. That should sound off alarms in Milwaukee.
Zach LaVine might not be the piece to turn it around, but that kind of swing on a co-star would show that the Bucks are doing all they can to keep their franchise player happy. Last season, LaVine averaged 24 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists throughout his stints with the Bulls and the Kings.
This season, LaVine has appeared in 16 games for the Kings. He’s shooting 49 percent from the field and 38 percent from beyond the arc to average 20.5 points. He’s coming down with 3.3 rebounds per game and dishing out 2.2 assists per outing.
For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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