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.