At the moment, there is no clear direction on where the investigation regarding Kawhi Leonard’s alleged cap circumvention is headed. It could be done soon, or it might not, but the possibility remains that he stays with the LA Clippers after all. In that case, to focus on winning during Leonard’s final year in LA while developing the team’s youth, Lawrence Frank and his staff should pursue the next potential buyout target set to hit the market: Zach LaVine.
Per James Ham, an insider for the Sacramento Kings, LaVine could be bought out prior to the start of the 2026-27 NBA season.
“They've been honest with [Zach LaVine] & said; Look, all bets are off if you opt in...We as a franchise have to make a business decision w/ regards to you—& if he's going to get bought out it should happen now. Because after this it's not advantageous to anybody.” @James_HamNBA https://t.co/iZgEHeYvwq pic.twitter.com/7DSZ1Tykt4
— Dru (@dru_star) July 30, 2026
The Kings are clearly trying to rebuild, as they waived DeMar DeRozan, have not re-signed Russell Westbrook, and have spent their lottery pick on what they believe is the point guard of the future, Darius Acuff Jr.
That said, it makes sense why LaVine’s time in Sacramento could be done earlier than expected. Their franchise is headed in the opposite direction.
Landing a scorer like LaVine would make LA lethal if Leonard’s trade fails
In the event Zach LaVine does get bought out, Lawrence Frank needs to begin negotiating whatever contract he can with him as soon as possible. LaVine, paired with Darius Garland and Kawhi Leonard (if the trade does not go through), coming off the best season of his career, would quite easily be regarded as the best offensive trio in the world.
The franchise is clearly still trying to win, as they took on Brandon Ingram in a deal with the Toronto Raptors. This is after reports surfaced that, during the time Leonard was on the trade block, the Clippers were interested in staying competitive while building a foundation for the future.
So, why not go all out with the same motive and bring in, by far, the best scorer on the open market, assuming he becomes a free agent?
For context, this past season, LaVine averaged 19.2 points, shooting 47.9% from the field and 39.0% from beyond the arc on 6.5 attempts per game.
Because those numbers are excellent, there is more than enough reason to pursue LaVine.
Adding him also does one better; LaVine could be extremely useful in helping Keaton Wagler adjust to the NBA level.
The knowledge and experience of an All-Star guard like LaVine is priceless, and that’s just another advantage he would bring to the Clippers.
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