The Los Angeles Lakers' offseason continues with more troublesome news as their star, Austin Reaves, has declined the four-year, max extension offered to him. While this was expected, considering he is worth a lot more in the market, this decision puts the Lakers in a very complicated position.
Reaves' contract is undervalued, currently set to earn under $14 million next season. When factoring last season's averages of 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, all while shooting 46.0% from the field, he is a bona fide star.
The 27-year-old's decision to decline the max extension sets him up to be a free agent in the summer. Reaves expressed his desire to remain with the Purple and Gold. This will allow the team to sign him on a new contract in the 2026 offseason.
The Lakers can potentially offer him a five-year deal worth $246 million. This has major implications for the team, particularly due to Luka Doncic's pending contract extension and LeBron James' future outlook with the team.
James is currently expected to opt in to the final year of his contract, rendering him a free agent next summer. If the Lakers' superstar comes off the books, re-signing Reaves at this value doesn't become as much of a challenge, especially with the additional spending power that the team will have thanks to their new owners.
In the unfortunate situation that the Lakers cannot do so, we take a look at a potential trade the Purple and Gold can try to swing to get the most out of his contract.
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Devin Vassell, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Austin Reaves
This trade is beneficial for both teams involved. For the Lakers, this deal sees the arrival of a talented young player in Devin Vassell, along with two essential first-round picks. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs continue to build upon their extensive backcourt rotation by adding another star-caliber player.
The addition of Devin Vassell could bring major changes to the Lakers' overall starting rotation.
The 24-year-old had seen a relative decline in productivity after falling out of the Spurs' main rotation and receiving fewer minutes. Regardless, he recorded an average of 16.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. He was impressive on the offensive front as well, shooting 44.3% from the field while knocking down 36.8% of his shots from beyond the arc.
Vassell's creativity as an offensive player may not be on par with Reaves, but his ability to finish on plays may make him a better outlet option in this case. At 24 years old, he is also three years younger than the Lakers star, and with four years left on his contract, the Lakers will have some flexibility with managing their cap space after acquiring him.
Meanwhile, the Lakers will also add two draft picks to their depleted reserves. Given the number of picks the Purple and Gold have used in trades, it would be a fortunate sight to see the team get some back in return. Although these only become relevant two years from now, the possession of draft capital is always a positive sight
For the Spurs, acquiring Reaves could effectively transform the team from a playoff contender into a title contender. San Antonio features some incredibly talented players in the backcourt. From De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle to their rookie Dylan Harper, the Spurs are stacked in the guard position.
While the addition of Reaves could theoretically pose problems for the development of players like Castle and Harper, it could also be invaluable to have him aid their development. The competition for the starting spot could see the two grow at a much faster rate, a positive sight for a young team.
Reaves' versatility on offense would pair well with Fox, who often operates in the midrange. While the Lakers' star is also known to do the same, he has shown himself to be a capable three-point shooter even while playing off-ball.
Reaves' ability to distribute and function in the pick-and-roll also makes him a solid partner for Spurs star Victor Wembanyama. The one-two punch of Reaves and Wembanyama could have opposing defenses confused due to Reaves' ability to create shots for himself and the big man's ability to shoot the long ball.
San Antonio's roster since drafting Harper has looked interesting. With title aspirations in the future, adding Reaves would become a part of the overall picture, lending to the need of fortifying their frontcourt.
While this trade wouldn't necessarily help the Lakers become title contenders, the Spurs could very well become a genuine threat as favorites in the West.
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