Zach LaVine’s camp has been pushing for a Trae Young trade with the Hawks
Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine made a strong offseason push to convince Kings to engage in trade for the Atlanta Star Trae Youngaccording to NBA insider Marc Stein. The attempt never got the right lane. But it added another layer Sacramento is underway for long-term direction during a season defined by frustration and uncertainty.
Reports from The Stein Line indicate that LaVine’s camp has tried to drum up interest in a deal that would send him to Atlanta and bring Young to Sacramento. Former GM Monte McNair even explored the idea within the front office, including early discussions of potential trade structures involving DeAaron Fox. Those talks never progressed. Instead, the move to new general manager Scott Perry ended any remaining possibility.
Perry made it clear that the Kings will not pursue Young, LaMelo Ball or Ja Morant. Sacramento’s new leadership wants defensive toughness at the point of attack. None of the star guards available fit that profile. Young remains one of the league’s best offensive drivers. But his defensive concerns and the high cost of a future extension make him unfit for a roster that already leans heavily on offense.
What’s next for the Kings?
The Kings enter Sunday at 4 and 13 points and remain open to trade inquiries on most of the roster. Keegan Murray and Nikueh Clifford are exceptions as both are viewed as long-term building blocks. Domantas Sabonis is also unlikely to be moved due to his ownership value and market comfort. However, his defensive limitations complicate any attempt to extract value in the deal.
LaVine continues to play through frustration as Sacramento looks for stability. His scoring ability is still valuable. But his role and future in the team are unsettled. The push for Young underscored his desire for a star playmaker alongside him. But it also highlighted why Sacramento is no longer willing to pursue high-scoring running backs who offer little defensively.
The Kings remain committed to reshaping the franchise’s identity. The failed offseason effort to bring Young to Sacramento makes that priority unmistakable.
2025-11-23 17:59:00
