Clippers Could Snatch Zach LaVine From Kings

Merlin sees an NBA whisper turning into a concrete possibility: a Western Conference scout asked ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, "What about Zach LaVine?" as a hint that the Los Angeles Clippers could absorb LaVine’s $47.5M salary (and near-$49M 2026‑27 player option). Clippers' movable pieces — John Collins, James Harden, Bogdan Bogdanovic — could create short-term cap room, letting Los Angeles take on LaVine while sending the Kings assets and clearing Sacramento’s future payroll headache. Merlin notes both clubs are sellers (Clippers 6–16, Kings 5–17) and the fit is logical: LaVine’s 19.8 PPG, 48.6% FG and 37% 3PT provide immediate backcourt punch, and the Clips would be free of the contract by 2027–28 when they seek cap flexibility. The trade is plausible but not inevitable — it hinges on how much the Kings demand and how many expiring contracts L.A. can move.