NBA Mock Trade: Warriors Acquire Zach LaVine from the Kings

In this NBA mock trade, the Golden State Warriors acquire Zach LaVine from the Sacramento Kings.

Jan 20, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. | Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Zach LaVine continues to be one of the more fascinating names to watch as the NBA trade deadline approaches. While his scoring punch and offensive upside are undeniable, his hefty contract makes any potential deal tricky, especially for a team like the Sacramento Kings, which would need to remain mindful of long-term financial flexibility.

Moving a player with that kind of salary often shrinks the market, but it only takes one motivated contender to shift the conversation. If a playoff-level team suddenly needs an offensive spark due to an injury to a star, think of a team like the Warriors, the idea of taking on LaVine becomes far more realistic. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what a potential trade package between these sides could look like.

Golden State Warriors - Sacramento Kings NBA Mock Trade Details & Fantasy Basketball Impact

Golden State Warriors Acquire:

Zach LaVine

Dario Šarić

Sacramento Kings Acquire:

Jimmy Butler

2030 2nd round pick 

With Jimmy Butler out for the season, Zach LaVine has the opportunity to step into Butler’s role while maintaining his current production of 19.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game in 32.5 minutes. Prior to Butler’s injury, he averaged 20 points, 4.9 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in 31.1 minutes, suggesting LaVine could realistically fill a similar role. Meanwhile, Dario Šarić is likely to remain an end-of-the-bench option, as he is averaging just 8.2 minutes and 1 point per game and provides no fantasy basketball value.

Why The Kings Make The Trade

The Sacramento Kings make this trade to shed Zach LaVine’s salary while acquiring a future draft pick along with the injured Butler, who would likely never play for them. Sitting at 12–34 and firmly in rebuild mode, the Kings are focused on the future and avoid taking on LaVine’s $49 million player option for the 2026–27 season, giving them added financial flexibility to reshape their roster.

Why The Warriors Make The Trade

The Warriors make this trade to help contend following Jimmy Butler’s injury. Butler was a key piece for Golden State before tearing his ACL, and the team is now looking to squeeze another championship run out of its core of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Currently sitting at 25–21 and eighth in the Western Conference, the Warriors could use Zach LaVine’s scoring punch to boost them back into contender status, with future Hall of Famer Steph Curry leading the charge.