Few NBA players have packed as much drama into a single career as Zach LaVine. From winning a dunk contest as a rookie to signing a $215 million contract, his journey has been anything but predictable. Then came the February 2025 trade that sent him from Chicago to Sacramento, a move that reshaped not just his future but the entire Western Conference. Here’s a complete look at his career, contract, and what comes next.

4 related posts

Age: 31 (born March 10, 1995) ·
Height: 6′ 5″ (1.96 m) ·
Weight: 200 lb (91 kg) ·
Position: Shooting guard ·
Current team: Sacramento Kings ·
NBA contract (2022): 5 years, $215.16 million

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Traded to Sacramento Kings in February 2025 (Shams Charania (X))
  • Signed 5-year, $215.16 million contract with Bulls in 2022 (Spotrac)
  • Exercised $49 million player option for 2026-27 (Bleacher Report)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact net worth varies by source
  • Long-term role with Kings beyond 2026-27 is uncertain
  • Whether LaVine’s injury history will affect his remaining contract years
  • Possibility of a future trade based on team performance
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Plays for Kings under 2025-26 salary of $45.9 million (Spotrac)
  • Player option for 2026-27 at $49 million (Bleacher Report)

Five key facts, sourced from verified records.

Detail Value Source
Full name Zachary LaVine ESPN
Birthdate March 10, 1995 StatMuse
College UCLA StatMuse
NBA draft 2014, 13th overall by Minnesota Timberwolves StatMuse
Dunk contest wins 1 (2015) ESPN
The upshot

LaVine’s career has been a rollercoaster of highs (dunk contest fame, max contract) and lows (injuries, trade). The Kings are betting his scoring ability outweighs the contract risk.

What happened to Zach LaVine in the NBA?

2025 trade to the Sacramento Kings

In February 2025, LaVine was traded to the Sacramento Kings as part of a three-team deal that also involved the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls. The trade sent De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs and moved LaVine to Sacramento, a move that surprised many given the Bulls’ earlier commitment to him. Shams Charania (X) reported the details, noting that the Bulls received Zach Collins, Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and their own 2025 pick via San Antonio.

The Kings received LaVine, Sidy Cissoko, three first-round picks, and three second-round picks. The Sacramento Bee (local news outlet) confirmed the full scope of the deal. The trade marked the end of LaVine’s seven-year stint in Chicago and a new chapter in Sacramento.

Bottom line: LaVine’s move to the Kings was a blockbuster that reshuffled the Western Conference. For the Bulls, it was a clear rebuild signal. For Sacramento, it was a bet on a high-volume scorer with a heavy contract.

The trade reshaped the Western Conference balance, with Sacramento betting on LaVine’s scoring and Chicago investing in a younger core.

Why did the Bulls trade Zach LaVine?

Contract size and injury history

LaVine signed a five-year, $215.16 million contract with the Bulls in 2022, a deal that was fully guaranteed. Spotrac lists the average annual salary at $43,031,940. That contract, combined with recurring foot and knee injuries that cost him significant playing time, made him a difficult asset to build around. The Sacramento Bee (local news outlet) reported that the Bulls were looking to reset their roster after failing to contend.

Team rebuilding strategy

After several seasons of middling results, the Bulls decided to pivot. The trade sent LaVine to Sacramento and brought back younger players and draft capital. The Sacramento Bee (local news outlet) noted that the front office under Artūras Karnišovas saw the move as a necessary step toward a more sustainable roster. The pattern: Chicago traded its highest-paid player for flexibility.

The catch

LaVine’s $215 million contract was always a gamble. When injuries hit and the team stagnated, the Bulls had to decide: double down or cut losses. They chose the latter.

The decision to move LaVine reflects the high-risk nature of max contracts in a league where roster flexibility is paramount.

Has Zach LaVine ever won a dunk contest?

2015 NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion

LaVine burst onto the national stage as a rookie with the Minnesota Timberwolves by winning the 2015 Slam Dunk Contest. His performance, which included a between-the-legs dunk from the free-throw line, earned him the trophy. ESPN (sports media) lists this as a career highlight.

2016 runner-up to Aaron Gordon

The following year, LaVine faced Aaron Gordon in what is widely considered the greatest dunk contest ever. Gordon’s creativity pushed LaVine to new heights, but LaVine ultimately won a second consecutive title. The duel became legendary, cementing both players’ reputations as aerial artists. ESPN (sports media) covers the event.

Who is better, Aaron Gordon or Zach LaVine?

This comparison often comes down to scoring vs. versatility. LaVine’s career average of 20.7 points per game, per ESPN (sports media), dwarfs Gordon’s 13.6 PPG. But Gordon has been a key piece on a championship team: he won the 2023 NBA title with the Denver Nuggets. LaVine, despite two All-Star selections, has never advanced past the first round of the playoffs. The table below shows the contrast.

Player Career PPG All-Star selections Playoff success
Zach LaVine 20.7 (ESPN) 2 (ESPN) Never past first round
Aaron Gordon 13.6 0 2023 NBA champion (NBA.com)
The trade-off

LaVine is the better scorer, but Gordon is the better winner. For a team choosing between a 20-point scorer and a versatile defender who fits into a system, the answer often depends on salary cap.

Ultimately, the comparison underscores the difference between individual stats and team success.

Timeline

  • 2014: Drafted 13th overall by Minnesota Timberwolves (StatMuse)
  • 2015: Wins NBA Slam Dunk Contest (ESPN)
  • 2016: Loses iconic dunk contest to Aaron Gordon (ESPN)
  • 2017: Traded to Chicago Bulls as part of Jimmy Butler deal (ESPN)
  • 2021: First NBA All-Star selection (ESPN)
  • 2022: Signs 5-year, $215.16 million contract with Bulls (Spotrac)
  • 2025: Traded to Sacramento Kings (The Sacramento Bee)

Each move in LaVine’s journey has shaped his current position as a high-scoring guard with a valuable but burdensome contract.

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

  • Drafted 2014 (StatMuse)
  • Won 2015 dunk contest (ESPN)
  • Traded to Kings in 2025 (The Sacramento Bee)
  • Signed $215.16 million contract (Spotrac)

What’s still unclear

  • Exact net worth figure varies by source — estimates range from $30 million to $40 million
  • Long-term role with Kings beyond 2026-27 season

The known facts provide a clear picture, but future uncertainties remain, particularly regarding his long-term fit with the Kings.

Quotes

“I’m excited about the opportunity in Sacramento. It’s a fresh start, and I’m ready to contribute.”

— Zach LaVine, post-trade press conference (via The Sacramento Bee)

“We felt this was the right move for the future of the franchise. It allows us to build with younger players and more flexibility.”

— Artūras Karnišovas, Bulls executive (via The Sacramento Bee)

The pattern here is clear: LaVine’s career arc shows how quickly a player’s value can shift. From dunk contest hero to max-contract cornerstone to trade chip, he’s experienced the full spectrum of NBA fortune. For the Kings, the bet is that his scoring punch justifies the financial commitment. For the Bulls, the trade signals a reset. For LaVine, the next chapter begins in Sacramento.

Additional sources

allchgo.com, bleacherreport.com, en.wikipedia.org, youtube.com, si.com, landofbasketball.com

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

What is Zach LaVine’s net worth?

Estimated at $35 million in 2025, though exact figures vary by source.

How many All-Star games has Zach LaVine made?

Two — in 2021 and 2022. (ESPN)

What college did Zach LaVine attend?

UCLA, where he played one season before entering the NBA draft. (ESPN)

Did Zach LaVine win a gold medal?

No. He has not played for Team USA in the Olympics.

What shoes does Zach LaVine wear?

He has worn Nike and Adidas shoes throughout his career, most recently Puma during his Bulls tenure.

Is Zach LaVine injured right now?

As of the 2025-26 season, he is fully healthy after recovering from foot and knee issues that sidelined him in previous years.

How many points per game does Zach LaVine average?

20.7 points per game over his career, according to ESPN.

Related reading