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By Justin Grasso
Contributing Sports Writer
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The trade deadline has come and gone, and the Sacramento Kings didn’t move any member of their core three. DeMar DeRozan, Domantas Sabonis, and Zach LaVine are all still on the books, which raises a key question: Will one or more of them get bought out?
Kings general manager Scott Perry was up-front about that question during his Friday press conference.
“I expect the veterans to be here through the end of the season,” he told reporters. In other words, nobody is catching a buyout.
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Leading up to the deadline, Sabonis was one of the most talked-about players at his position. Multiple teams were rumored to be in play as his suitors, but the Kings couldn’t find a deal they liked.
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If Sabonis were to hit the open market, there is no doubt he would immediately attract multiple teams that are making a playoff push. It seems the Kings are fine with keeping him on board throughout the end of the year.
Sabonis is playing on a four-year deal. He’s in year two, making $42.3 million. The veteran center will earn over $45 million for each of the next two seasons.
DeMar DeRozan had trade interest earlier in the year, but it didn’t continue through February. After landing in Sacramento via sign-and-trade last year, DeRozan still has another full season attached to his deal. The 36-year-old’s contract was too pricey for teams to want to take on, leaving his market quiet through deadline day.
Then, there’s Zach LaVine, Sacramento’s big trade pickup from last year. Since he signed a five-year contract with the Bulls in 2022, LaVine’s deal has been the biggest concern looming over him. Teams were interested in deals for LaVine in the past, but the contract always made organizations hesitant. The Kings took a gamble on it last season, and found out firsthand that it’s hard to move.
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When LaVine wraps up the $47 million salary for this season, he’ll get a chance to accept or decline his player option for 2026-2027. The chances of him locking in $48.9 million seem high, leaving the Kings likely starting the season with LaVine on the books. He wasn’t able to get moved this year, but Sacramento might have a better chance of striking a deal centered around him when the deal is expiring.
Despite having talented names on the roster, the Kings have been one of the biggest disappointments in 2025-2026. They are 12-40 on the year, losing 10 games in a row. The deadline was the perfect time to open up a fire sale, but it seems the pricey contracts contributed to the Kings coming up empty. Barring any unexpected changes, rival teams are unlikely to get a chance to take advantage of a DeRozan, Sabonis, or LaVine buyout.
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