NBA Legend Lou Williams Reveals Why He Wants the Kings to Trade Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan
Lou Williams, the retired NBA star and three-time Sixth Man of the Year, recently shared his thoughts on the Sacramento Kings’ rumored rebuild and specifically, what it means for veterans Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. As trade buzz swirls around Sacramento, Williams’ comments added fuel to an already blazing rumor mill.
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Lou Williams Shares His Thought on Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan Trade Rumours
Speaking on Run It Back podcast, Williams made it clear he wants his friends to be in better situations.
“Them my personal partners,” Williams wrote. “I want them to be happy and have a real opportunity to compete at a high level being in the 3rd and 4th quarters of their careers.”
Williams, who played with DeRozan for one season on the Toronto Raptors during the 2014-15 season, emphasized that their remaining prime years shouldn’t be wasted on a team headed for a rebuild. His words reflect the common sentiments that two accomplished veterans deserve to play meaningful basketball in May and June, not just survive another losing season.
According to reports from NBA Central, the Kings have begun exploring trade options for Zach LaVine, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan after a disappointing 3–8 start to the 2025–26 season. Sources suggest the front office is ready to pivot toward a full rebuild centered around draft picks and young talent.
Teams like the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, and Boston Celtics are reportedly monitoring the situation closely, each looking to bolster their title chances with an additional scoring punch.
LaVine, 30, has been productive despite the team’s struggles, averaging 23.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 51.9% from the field and 42.3% from three.
Still, his $47.49 million salary this season and a $48.9 million player option for next year make him a complicated trade target, especially given his history of knee injuries.
DeRozan, 36, might be easier to move. The veteran is averaging 20.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, shooting 49.7% from the field and 41.4% from deep. His $24.7 million contract this season and $25.7 million next year could appeal to contenders searching for a midseason offensive boost.
LaVine and DeRozan were supposed to help turn Sacramento into a legitimate playoff threat. LaVine arrived in February 2025 via a three-team trade with Chicago and San Antonio, while DeRozan came in a sign-and-trade in the summer of 2024.
Instead, the Kings are now 3–8 and riding a three-game losing streak, which is far from the playoff team fans hoped for.
Suppose the front office follows through on its rebuild plans. In that case, Sacramento will likely look to emulate successful turnarounds like the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs, both of which invested heavily in youth and draft capital.
