Zach LaVine's Reluctant Move to the Sacramento Kings
Zach LaVine did not choose to be traded to the Sacramento Kings and appears to wish he were still with the Chicago Bulls. During a recent Sacramento Kings visit to Chicago, the Bulls honored their former player, LaVine, who made remarks suggesting he remains unhappy about the trade, raising doubts about his future with Sacramento.
Career Background
- LaVine was drafted 13th overall in 2014 by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- He spent three seasons with Minnesota before joining the Chicago Bulls in 2017.
- LaVine was traded to the Kings in a three-team deal in early 2025, leaving Chicago as his longtime home.
Performance and Team Dynamics
While in Chicago, LaVine gained recognition as a strong shooter and offensive threat. However, the Bulls front office struggled to build a competitive team around him. Now with the Kings, he faces a similar but more challenging situation.
Since his departure, the Bulls have revived their roster with young players like Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Matas Buzelis. Meanwhile, Kevin Huerter, acquired in the trade that sent LaVine to Sacramento, has found success in Chicago.
Return to Chicago
The Kings lost their only game in Chicago this season, which was also LaVine's first visit back as a King. He expressed a deep nostalgia for his time in Chicago.
“I loved the city and loved playing here, even though it wasn’t always easy.”
Author’s Summary
Zach LaVine’s trade to Sacramento was against his wishes, and his nostalgia for Chicago alongside the Bulls’ rising success hints at a complicated future with the Kings.