The idea that Austin Reaves might get traded? That might have real legs to it given the implications of Reaves’ contract.
Reaves can opt out of his deal after the 2025-26 NBA season. Given that the Lakers can currently offer Reaves an extension worth $89 million, and not something well over the $100M that he might expect, it’s hard to imagine Reaves won’t opt out.
And if he opts out, he might chase after the highest bidder rather than play second-fiddle to Luka Doncic.
The 26-year old will likely get one massive payday, and his chance will come in Summer 2026.
Given that, the Lakers should probably at least consider seeing what they can get for Reaves a summer ahead of schedule.
Playoff struggles have cooled Reaves’ stock a bit, but he averaged 20 points per game in the regular season with ever-improving passing, too.
He could likely fetch another solid player in his prime, or a draft pick or two, depending on how the Lakers want to go about things.
Sometimes, you have to follow the money. And Reaves’ money says his future may be somewhere other than Los Angeles.
