The NBA offseason is in full swing, with teams scrambling to reshape their rosters. Zach LaVine, the Sacramento Kings guard who just wrapped up a visit to Taiwan, has his future back in the spotlight. The Kings are rebuilding, so some folks figured they might buy out his contract or cut him loose. But according to team sources, Sacramento has zero interest in going down that road. So if the Heat want to snag him, they’ll likely have to wait a whole year.

　　**Heat Go All-In for Giannis, Now Scouring Free Agency for Help**

　　Back in June, Miami pulled off a blockbuster trade, shipping almost every draft pick and asset they had to Milwaukee for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. That deal turned the Heat into a superpower, sure, but it also left their cupboards bare. Now their only way to add talent is through free agency or the buyout market.

　　According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, the Heat are keeping a close eye on LaVine. They’ve also got DeMar DeRozan, Bradley Beal, and Klay Thompson on their wish list.

　　**Kings Dig In: No Buyout for LaVine, Says Team Insider**

　　But Miami isn’t getting any help from Sacramento. Kings beat reporter Jason Anderson, citing league sources, says the team has no intentions of buying out LaVine. Instead, they expect him to give it his all in the final year of his contract. LaVine opted into his $49 million player option for 2026-27, and a buyout would be a nightmare for the Kings. They’re also dead set against using the stretch provision. So all those buyout rumors? They’ll have to wait until next summer, when LaVine becomes an unrestricted free agent.

　　Kings reporter James Ham echoed that on his podcast: “I can tell you with confidence – the Kings are not going to waive and stretch LaVine. It might save money short-term, but it’s just kicking the can down the road.”

　　**Heat Shift Focus to Klay, Hope Mavs Let Him Go**

　　With the LaVine door slammed shut, Miami has pivoted to another target: Klay Thompson of the Dallas Mavericks. The 36-year-old sharpshooter is also entering the final year of his contract. The Heat are hoping Dallas will reach a buyout agreement with Thompson, allowing them to sign him as a free agent. That would give Giannis the perfect shooting complement for a championship run.

　　**What’s a Buyout?**

　　A buyout is when a team and a player agree to terminate the remaining contract. The player typically gives up some guaranteed money in exchange for his freedom. How it works: both sides negotiate a reduced payout, and the player walks away from the rest of the deal. Why do it? For veterans or players on rebuilding teams, it’s a chance to join a contender. For the team, it’s a way to trim salary. After a buyout, the player goes through a 48-hour waiver period. If another team claims him by taking on the full contract, fine. If not, he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

　　The difference between a buyout and a straight release? A release is one-sided – the team cuts the player and pays 100% of his guaranteed salary. A buyout is a mutual agreement: the player gives up some cash to pick his next team.