Nov 26, 2025
Bucks Rekindle Zach LaVine Trade Talk
Merlin says Milwaukee has done some "background due diligence" on Kings guard Zach LaVine, though Michael Scotto warned "nothing is imminent." Sacramento is 5-13 and 27th in net rating; LaVine remains an efficient scorer (20.5 PPG, 49.8% FG, 38.6% 3PT) and even dropped 31 on the Bucks on Nov. 1. Still, he’s a poor defender, on pace for a career-low 2.2 assists, and carries a $47.5M salary plus a $49M 2026–27 player option — all complicating any trade. Merlin’s take: the Bucks (8-10) are wobbling and possess few assets, so revisiting LaVine now — when his price may be lower — is sensible. Yet acquiring a high-volume scorer who won’t fix defense or playmaking is a gamble; fit and cost will decide if this is a patch or a real upgrade.
🧙♂️ Merlin’s Prediction
Odds of the Bucks trading for Zach LaVine this season: 20%.
