Will the Lakers Threat Losing Austin Reaves or Trade Him for a Future Star?

Austin Reaves is among the most explosive gamers on the present Los Angeles Lakers. Previous rumors claimed LA may commerce him for Michael Porter Jr. Unfortunately, this didn’t occur.

The 27-year-old guard, who had a career-high season final 12 months, will hit unrestricted free company in 2026, and the group may lose him with out receiving something in return. Although the Lakers want to retain Reaves for the long run, cap concerns may pressure the franchise to buy him round.

Austin Reaves Trade Rumors Pick Up Steam

Reaves has quickly established himself as one of many Lakers’ most constant contributors, with 20.2 factors, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per evening on efficient 46/38/88 taking pictures splits final 12 months. He is invaluable as a consequence of his versatility and consistency, but in addition a commerce chip if the Lakers want to retool their books or create future cap flexibility.

Sports Illustrated’s Ethen Hutton not too long ago prompt a mock commerce proposal that may ship Reaves off to the Sacramento Kings in return for ahead Keegan Murray and a 2027 first-round draft choose.

• Lakers get: Keegan Murray, 2027 first-round choose
• Kings get: Austin Reaves

Lakers Could Explore This Trade

Picking up Murray, the younger 3-and-D participant, would offer the Lakers with a well-rounded wing. His skillset will complement superstars like Luka Doncic and LeBron James. In distinction to Reaves, who works as a secondary ball handler, Murray can slot in as a ground spacer and defensive element with out requiring heavy touches.

According to Heavy, the transaction would additionally give the Lakers an extra high-profile draft choose, which might improve their buying and selling belongings if a star participant turns into a chance. Under Hutton’s perspective, going after Murray permits the Lakers to construct on depth whereas conserving monetary flexibility as a result of Murray continues to be beneath his rookie contract with a group choice.

Keegan Murray’s Untapped Potential

No. 4 total choose Murray of the 2022 NBA Draft has flashed as an elite two-way ahead, however his statistics fell final 12 months. He averaged 12.4 factors and hit simply 34.3% of his three-point makes an attempt, falling from his rookie season.

Most specialists really feel {that a} change of setting, significantly being paired with prime playmakers reminiscent of Doncic and James, may convey out one of the best in Murray.

For the Kings, letting go of Murray may not be so easy, however getting Austin Reaves would give them an on the spot injection. Sacramento, desperate to get again into playoff rivalry, can use Reaves’ scoring, playmaking, and dependability alongside Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, and Zach LaVine.

Reaves’ Loyalty to the Lakers

Despite the commerce rumors, Reaves has publicly said that he needs to remain in Los Angeles. Previously this summer time, he turned down a reported four-year, $89 million extension, in search of a deal round $30 million a 12 months. Nevertheless, his statements communicate volumes about his love for the franchise.

In April, Reaves grew to become a topic of NBA commerce rumors. At that point, analysts mentioned that the San Antonio Spurs may make the most of Reaves properly. He could possibly be a second-option scorer subsequent to De’Aaron Fox.