Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
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Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers risk losing Austin Reaves for nothing when the star guard becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2026. Although the Lakers reportedly prefer holding onto Reaves — with plans to forge a long-term backcourt with Luka Doncic — they could run into financial constraints, given their reported preference to keep their books clear for the next few offseasons.
If the Lakers make Reaves available, they are sure to attract interesting trade packages. The 27-year-old is fresh of a career-best season that saw him average an impressive 20.2 points, 5.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds at 46/38/88 shooting splits. Sports Illustrated’s Ethen Hutton floated a Lakers trade proposal that would see the team acquire young 3-and-D star Keegan Murray from the Sacramento Kings.
Lakers would receive: Keegan Murray, 2027 first-round pick
Kings would receive: Austin Reaves
Why the Trade Makes Sense
Besides landing a 3-and-D star with enormous upside, the Lakers would be adding to their chest of tradeable draft picks, which could come in handy in their attempt to trade for a superstar down the road. Hutton also argued that Murray would be a good fit on a Lakers team already boasting of two excellent ball handlers — Doncic and LeBron James. As such, Reaves may never reach his full potential in a Lakers uniform.
“Targeting Murray gives the Lakers a three-point sniper on the wing, ultimately saving money without giving Reaves an extension,” he wrote. “Murray also has a team option at the end of the season, giving L.A. a short-term commitment should the offense falter.
“That 2027 first-rounder also gives Pelinka much-needed future draft capital as the league’s all-time leading scorer nears the end of his time in L.A.”
Murray Due for Breakout Season
Murray, the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, hasn’t exactly lived up to his potential yet. Last season, he saw his points (15.2 to 12.4) and 3P% (35.8 to 34.3) dip considerably from 2023-24. While some attribute that to the Kings’ losing culture, Murray may need to play next to stars like Doncic and James to reach the next level.
Hutton argued that the Kings may be tempted to part with Murray, whom they have yet to offer a contract extension.
“The Kings are in a tough spot after missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Looking for a consistent spark on offense, Sacramento could find Reaves to be the perfect option.
“Reaves would join a core headlined by Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, who failed to lead the Kings past the ninth seed. In Sacramento, Reaves would be one of the feature scoring options offensively, while adding a much-needed mix of playmaking ability.”
Austin Reaves reportedly turned down a four-year, $89 million extension from the Lakers this offseason with hopes of being paid around $30 million per season. He has previously expressed his desire to remain a Laker for life.
“I love the fans. I Love the weather, love the golf. And obviously, the Lakers are the best organization in basketball,” Reaves said at his June youth camp.
“I don’t pay attention to [the trade rumors]. I keep my head down, work, and I feel like that’s one of the reasons I’m where I’m at.”