Austin Reaves is growing into a star and so has his potential to land a lucrative contract in the 2026 NBA Free Agency. Currently making $13.9 million, he’s on the best value deal across the league among veterans. Reaves is expected to sign a contract that could see his pay increase to anywhere between $35-$40 million yearly.
It’s significantly more than the Lakers initially expected. Amid the potential cost of re-signing Reaves, some think it may be a wise idea for LA to trade him and secure a boatload of assets or a bona fide superstar. Despite him showing that he can fit with Luka Doncic, concerns remain about their identical playing styles.
And so, the 27-year-old guard, after a whirlwind of trade rumors in the summer, is back in the trade machines. NBA writer Dan Favale came up with a new mock proposal, which sent Reaves to Detroit, a team that set its sights on him as a second-round pick in 2021.
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It involves assets like Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland and three first-round picks as the prize of parting ways with Austin Reaves. With the rising star averaging MVP numbers across the board, tallying 34.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 10.0 assists on 52.5% shooting, including 38.5% from 3, Lakers fans scoffed at the mock trade.
Most of the fan base is against the idea of trading Austin Reaves. Some who are open to it want a perennial All-Star in return. Here’s how they reacted:
There’s no reason for the Lakers to trade Austin Reaves this season
The Lakers don’t need to trade Austin Reaves yet. He’s shown more than enough of a sample size that he can replicate the same success the likes of Jalen Brunson and Kyrie Irving had alongside Luka Doncic when he was with the Mavericks.
It’s almost become a recipe for success for Doncic to have the luxury of relying on someone else for brief stretches to run the offense so that he doesn’t have to shoulder that burden. Reaves isn’t on Doncic’s level, but their skillsets are eerily similar.
Whether it’s their playmaking, pick and roll, mid-range, or downhill game, the Lakers’ backcourt duo thrives in multiple areas offensively. Such combinations and talents are hard to find, and it makes little to no sense for LA to pull the plug on it this year.
As for the future, signing Austin Reaves to a lucrative deal and then discussing him in trade talks for perennial MVP candidates makes more sense. That too, only if there’s one available in his prime and the Reaves and Doncic duo fails to make a deep playoff run.
By then, Reaves’ contract will be good enough for the Lakers to match salaries and increase his value as a long-term asset rather than an expiring one.
Edited by Arhaan Raje
