SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Zach LaVine had a message for followers as he ready to make his Sacramento Kings debut Wednesday evening in opposition to the Orlando Magic.
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He is passionate. He would not take this chance as a right. And he will do every part he can to win.
LaVine, who was drafted thirteenth general by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2014, made it clear he has an affinity for his new franchise.
He labored out for the Kings earlier than he was drafted. His household is initially from California and he has a house in Newport Seashore.
In 2018, he signed a four-year, $78 million provide sheet with the Kings that the Bulls ultimately matched.
Plus, him and Kings interim coach Doug Christie are each from Seattle.
“I’ve been a fan of for a long time,” LaVine stated. “I thought I was going to sign here six years ago. I’ve had a good relationship with a lot of guys who played here and I understand the culture here from me being from the West Coast.”
LaVine, a two-time All-Star, was sent to Sacramento as part of a three-team trade with Chicago and the San Antonio Spurs, who received former Kings point guard De’Aaron Fox.
The Bulls received Kevin Huerter from the Kings and Zach Collins from the Spurs. In addition, Jordan McLaughlin went from Sacramento to the Spurs, Sidy Cissoko went from the Spurs to the Kings and Tre Jones left the Spurs for Chicago. The Kings also get six future draft picks — three first-rounders, three second-rounders.
Kings general manager Monte McNair called LaVine an “incredible talent,” a shot-maker and “somebody who puts his stamp on the court.”
LaVine is averaging 24 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 34.1 minutes per game over 42 games. He ranks fifth in 3-point shooting percentage this season and holds the highest field-goal percentage from beyond the arc among players with at least 100 3-pointers made this season.
LaVine is reuniting with DeMar DeRozan, who spent three seasons with the Bulls. They are looking forward to playing with each other in the Western Conference.
“It just shows you how crazy this business works and how it comes around full circle,” DeRozan said. “I am excited for the guys who will play with him and I am excited for the fans to see what he is capable of doing.”
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