Before the pitchforks go up, no one is packing up Austin Reaves and his bags just yet. However, the Los Angeles Lakers have plenty of reason to at least explore what the trade market would be willing to give up for his services.
After a disappointing end to a promising season, and a looming contract decision for Reaves, the Lakers have been put into a tough spot. Picking up the phone and doing the due diligence on the trade value of the four-year pro is a must for Rob Pelinka this offseason.
Lakers turn Reaves into multiple pieces
It's about that time of the year to cook up mock trades. Here is the first of many. If the Lakers were interested in building up a more balanced roster that would not be as top-heavy, the Utah Jazz are certainly the team to call.
In a best-case scenario, the Lakers walk away from this deal with a new starting center, and two veteran pieces that can play strong supporting roles for this team. After struggling to find more than five reliable players in the 2025 postseason, it's not a bad approach for Los Angeles.
The Jazz would hopefully be sold on Reaves' upside enough to consider him, the 2031 first, and a couple of expiring contracts as ample return for a good haul going back the other way. A career year in Utah could allow AR15 to get his pay day too.
Lakers go for a different three-star build
The following blockbuster was so large that even our trade embed could not handle it. Take a seat for this one.
Lakers receive: Bam Adebayo.
Miami Heat receive: Kristaps Porzingis, Cameron Johnson.
Boston Celtics receive: Keldon Johnson, 26th overall pick in 2025 NBA Draft (via BKN).
Brooklyn Nets receive: Austin Reaves, Duncan Robinson, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, 2031 unprotected first-round pick (via LAL).
If the Lakers are going to pursue a top-heavy, three-star build then slotting in Adebayo in favor of Reaves makes a lot more sense. The Heat center offers a much more complimentary skill set to Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
The Nets end up as the recipient of Reaves' services here. After ranking 28th in offensive rating during the 2024-25 season, Brooklyn would offer a platform for the talented offensive guard to shine and spread his wings.
The Nets would also be given the freedom to maintain financial flexibility during their rebuild with a handful of expiring contracts. The Lakers' 2031 pick offers a sweetener.
Shipping away Porzingis allows the Celtics to receive some much-needed cap relief amid swirling rumors of the organization being ready to break up this current itteration. They get a young piece and a cost-controlled draft pick for their troubles.
Miami would be the toughest sell here. Johnson and Porzingis are a solid return for Adebayo that keeps them competitive, and allows future financial relief with the latter's expiring contract. However, there may need to be some sort of additional compensation to part with the three-time All-Star.
Another four-team blockbuster
Did the last four-team trade feel like a lot to keep up with? Hopefully not, because it is time for another one.
Lakers receive: Jarrett Allen, Jett Howard.
Orlando Magic receive: Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent.
Cleveland Cavaliers receive: P.J. Washington, Olivier-Maxence Prosper, 2025 25th overall pick (via ORL).
Dallas Mavericks receive: Cole Anthony, Anthony Black.
The Magic are one of the first teams that come to mind as a trade suitor who would largely benefit from the addition of Reaves. Unfortunately, a straight-up deal between Los Angeles and Orlando lacks sufficient interest for the Lakers, so this is where the chaos comes into the picture.
Reaves gets a new environment that is close to perfect for him. The elite defense of the Magic helps cover his deficiencies on that end. Plus, the 27th-ranked offensive team from 2024-25 gets some much-needed creativity in their backcourt.
The Dallas Mavericks slide into the trade and grab some necessary backcourt help to hold them over until the return of Kyrie Irving. They also get a point guard of the future in Anthony Black for the Cooper Flagg timeline.
The Cleveland Cavaliers allow Evan Mobley to step into the full-time center role with this deal. P.J. Washington brings a solid starting option at the four beside him.
For Los Angeles, Jarrett Allen gives the Lakers an impactful two-way player to serve as their new starting center on a team-friendly contract. They also get a chance to take a flier on seeing if a former lottery pick in Jett Howard could tap into his draft potential as a shooter playing next to Doncic.