Latest news with #Reaves
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
5 Realistic Replacements For Austin Reaves If Lakers Decide To Trade Him This Summer
5 Realistic Replacements For Austin Reaves If Lakers Decide To Trade Him This Summer originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Austin Reaves and the Los Angeles Lakers may be on the verge of parting ways this offseason. While the Lakers have been one of the most actively mentioned teams in trade rumors, their star guard has also attracted a lot of attention in the trade market. Advertisement The reason Reaves has been mentioned in many trade rumors is because of his current contract situation. The 27-year-old is currently heading into the third year of his four-year, $53.8 million deal. When considering his regular season averages of 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, it is evident that he is severely underpaid in this capacity. In this regard, it has become apparent that the guard will demand a massive extension heading into the final year of his contract, with some projections even seeing him earn $200 million. While this is simply a reflection of what he deserves to be valued at, the Purple and Gold simply may not have the cap space to afford him in such a situation. Because of these conversations, the Lakers organization has been thrown into a state of limbo regarding their future with Reaves. He has undoubtedly been one of their most valuable players, but this is coincidentally what makes him their only relevant trade asset if they hope to get anything in return for him. Reaves has been mentioned in countless trade proposals thus far. With this in mind, we take a look at the flip side, wherein the Lakers must acquire a replacement for their third star. Bennedict Mathurin Dec 3, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) reacts to a replay on the scoreboard against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Bennedict Mathurin Indiana Pacers Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, No. 55 pick, 2031 first-round pick Bennedict Mathurin emerges as one of the most interesting options on this list. The Indiana Pacers guard has shown a lot of upside during his three years with the team. Advertisement At 22 years old, Mathurin shows tremendous potential for the future. While primarily being a role player off the bench, the guard offers solid scoring along with stubborn defensive effort. His averages of 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game make him an effective offensive force, especially considering his shooting splits of 45.8% from the field and 34.0% from three-point land. Although the guard played a more significant role for the team in the regular season, he has remained a solid presence for the Pacers during their postseason run. His ability to produce points in limited minutes certainly makes him an interesting option off the bench. The deal works for the Pacers as they add some tremendous role players along with draft capital. Rui Hachimura provides effective backup for Pascal Siakam off the bench. His averages of 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds on 50.9% FG make him a reliable veteran presence off the bench. Meanwhile, Knecht could develop well in a system catering to young players. Paired with a star like Tyrese Halliburton, the Lakers guard could see many more open looks to help improve upon his average of 37.6% from beyond the arc. Advertisement In addition to this, the No. 55 pick could also be valuable for the Pacers, as it allows them to draft a solid big man backup for Myles Turner and Thomas Bryant. Meanwhile, the 2031 pick purely gives the team some flexibility for the future. Quentin Grimes Mar 17, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) reacts after making a basket during overtime against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit- Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesCredit- Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Quentin Grimes Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, No. 55 pick, 2031 first-round pick Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes will be a restricted free agent heading into the offseason. Although the 76ers will show an inclination to re-sign him due to his immense growth potential, the Lakers would do well to try and acquire the 25-year-old. Advertisement Grimes had two very different experiences in the 2024-25 season. After playing a large part of it with the Dallas Mavericks, he looked subdued and limited. However, during his 28 games with the 76ers, he displayed real star quality. The guard put up an incredible average of 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on 46.9% shooting from the field. These performances included a ridiculous 46-point triple-double, which allowed him to burst onto the scene. In many ways, Grimes would be the most ideal replacement for Reaves. His ability emulates Reaves' own, allowing him to slot right in next to Doncic and LeBron James. Although his playmaking may not be at the same level, he would be a solid addition to the side. For the 76ers, this trade allows them to acquire a talented off-the-ball shooter in Dalton Knecht, giving them flexibility on the wing. Jarred Vanderbilt's addition also gives them a boost on their perimeter defense. The draft capital may not be necessary for Philadelphia, but they can always use these assets to facilitate other trades to bolster their roster strength. Jrue Holiday Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) reacts after a play during the second against the Orlando Magic at TD Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jrue Holiday Boston Celtics Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2028 first-round pick swap This trade presents an interesting opportunity for the Lakers. Acquiring Jrue Holiday from the Boston Celtics would be a very timely way of addressing their defensive issues in the backcourt. Additionally, when considering the Celtics' cap struggles, the team may have a tough time retaining him as well. Advertisement Holiday is one of the finest two-way players in the league. Having played a key role on two championship teams in the last five years, it is evident that the 34-year-old could immediately turn the Lakers into contenders. The Celtics guard notched an average of 11.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. Although his offensive numbers don't spark much confidence, he is an absolute force on defense. His ability to fight over screens would also help cover up Doncic's defensive shortcomings. Holiday's $32.4 million cap hit is too much for Boston, considering their investment in their star core. While several players may be on the way out, the Celtics would do well to acquire decent pieces in return. Hachimura and Gabe Vincent may not necessarily help them improve. But it does give them some flexibility with building a roster. Vincent, in particular, offers solid two-way support off the bench. However, flipping the two expiring contracts may be more beneficial for the former champions. Nickeil Alexander-Walker Apr 27, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (9) passes in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers during game four of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images© Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Nickeil Alexander-Walker Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Shake Milton This trade is primarily to allow the Lakers to get some two-way support with Reaves on the way out. Nickeil Alexander-Walker has displayed a lot of potential as a 3-and-D type of player. And on the Lakers, he could be a solid outlet option on the perimeter for Doncic. Advertisement Alexander-Walker has been linked to the Purple and Gold in some rumors due to his fit on the team. As a perimeter threat, the guard recorded an average of 9.4 points while shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc. Although his scoring averages pale in comparison to Reaves', it is important to remember that the two play very different roles. On the Lakers, the 26-year-old provides outside shooting as well as tough defense on the wings. If he is given enough minutes in the starting lineup, the Purple and Gold could see him flourish as a three-point shooting threat with Doncic facilitating and dictating the flow of the game. The Minnesota Timberwolves would not benefit much from this trade, but it would certainly allow them to gain something in return. Alexander-Walker is a free agent heading into the offseason. By facilitating a sign-and-trade, the Wolves can still acquire some assets to allow them to build their roster for next season. Marcus Smart Mar 13, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Wizards guard Marcus Smart (36) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons forward Simone Fontecchio (19) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Proposed Trade Details Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Marcus Smart Washington Wizards Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Maxi Kleber, 2028 first-round pick swap Washington Wizards guard Marcus Smart is on an expiring contract this season. The former DPOY has a lot of upside, which could be beneficial for the Lakers. However, there are some concerns, all the same. Advertisement Smart is a very solid role player on any team. As one of the best defensive players in the league, he has shown immense value as a primary defender on some of the best guards in the league. Although he recorded an average of 9.3 points and 2.5 assists on 39.2% shooting from three-point territory, much like Holiday, this is not a true reflection of his value. Smart may not be the ideal replacement for a player like Reaves, but what he does bring to the table may go beyond that. Considering the Lakers' aspirations of winning a title, the team is in dire need of a "glue" guy, a role player who bonds the team. Smart could fill that role. Unfortunately, the immediate concerns regarding his health also make him a bit of a high-risk investment. This trade also has little value for the Washington Wizards. Given that they aren't a side primed to compete in the NBA for the next few years, acquiring Vanderbilt and Kleber may only aid in building assets to facilitate future trades. The only item of genuine value may be the 2028 first-round pick in this regard. Related: The Best Replacements For Jaxson Hayes Amid Uncertain Future With The Lakers This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Shannon Sharpe says the Lakers need to trade one of their stars
Shannon Sharpe says the Lakers need to trade one of their stars The Los Angeles Lakers need to improve their roster this offseason, but people seem to be split on whether incremental improvements will be enough or if they need to make a bold move or two in order to become legitimate championship contenders. If they do make a big, bold move, the man who would be involved is Austin Reaves. While he is a very good player and once again elevated his production and overall game this season, he remains an anemic defender and is relatively unathletic. There seems to be a sizable contingent of Lakers fans who are calling for Reaves to be traded, not because such fans have anything against Reaves, but because they feel he is the team's only real trade chip on the open market. Shannon Sharpe, one of the biggest LeBron James fans around, said on his "Nightcap" podcast that the guard is on his way out of L.A. "The Lakers can only pay you so much," Sharpe said. "You're gonna go somewhere and get a big payday anyway. You ain't trying to stay with the Lakers when you get a $200 million deal, and they can't give you that." It may seem as though Sharpe is implying that Reaves should join another team. But he also mentioned why it would make sense for the Lakers to trade the Arkansas native. "But those three guys (Reaves, James and Luka Doncic) are not gonna win anything," Sharpe continued. "Now, I'm not saying you gotta package him, but they need a big. He's the only valuable piece that they have that they're willing to part with." Reaves has a player option for the 2026-27 season, which means he can opt out and become a free agent next summer. According to a report, he will turn down an extension and opt out in order to seek a contract that would pay him roughly $30 million a year. He will make $13.9 million next season, which means he may not fetch a ton in a trade this summer. This all makes his future with the Lakers murky and the debate about what they should do with him complicated.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Austin Reaves Expected To Demand Nearly $30 Million In Next Contract
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been one of the key players for the team in the past few seasons. Seamlessly fitting into the role of the third star on most occasions, Reaves has grown and developed into an invaluable asset. A main reason why Reaves has so much value for the team is that he has routinely outplayed his contract. His previous contract extension saw him on a four-year, $53 million deal. Given how his earnings increased with each season, Reaves is due to earn a bit below $14 million next season. Advertisement The 2026-27 season is where concerns arise for the Purple and Gold. The 26-year-old has a player option for the final year of his contract. Although he can opt in and accept just below $15 million for the season, there is a greater likelihood that he will opt out and test the waters of free agency, as per Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report. He said: "Reaves is nearly sure to decline his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season to explore unrestricted free agency next summer, seeking a salary in the $30 million starting range." "The most he can extend for ($19.5 million) is far short of that number. Any team acquiring him would need behind-the-scenes assurances that he'd re-sign at a pre-arranged price, although they wouldn't be technically legal or binding." Advertisement The demand for Austin Reaves has skyrocketed over the past few seasons. The young star has displayed an innate ability to single-handedly revitalize his team's offense when he is on the floor. Whether this is through his scoring or playmaking ability, his impact on the offensive end is undeniable. The 2024-25 season was a fruitful one for the guard from a performance point of view. Reaves recorded an average of 20.2 points per game, a massive step up from his average of 15.9 points the previous season. Given that he had embraced a bigger role for the team, he also saw a subsequent rise in his rebounding and assists numbers, averaging 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists on 46.0% FG. The arrival of Luka Doncic on the Lakers meant that Reaves would take on a reduced role, since the Slovenian does more of the same thing that he does. But the guard duo made for a solid backcourt combination for the Lakers to close out the regular season. Unfortunately, Reaves' stock took a hit in the playoffs after a series of relatively underwhelming outings. While considering that he was playing with a toe injury, this is understandable. But the Lakers' guard still took accountability for the poor performances, leading to a 4-1 loss to Minnesota in the first round. Advertisement Regardless, the Lakers' concerns for retaining Reaves next summer will be justified. With rumors speculating that LeBron James may return on a two-year, $105 million deal, the Purple and Gold may not be able to afford Reaves if he demands a $30 million contract. Reaves' value on the trade market has also seen him mentioned in several trade rumors in the offseason. Considering that the Lakers are making a play to become title contenders immediately, a trade package including Reaves may be the best way of ensuring that the team lands a superstar in this context. Related: Austin Reaves' Agent Sends Strong Message Amid Trade Rumors: "You Have No Idea What's Coming"
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lakers Could Trade Austin Reaves If He Opts Out Seeking $200M Deal
As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for another pivotal offseason, one of the biggest question marks surrounds the future of guard Austin Reaves. Once considered one of the franchise's most promising young players, Reaves is now a candidate to be moved if contract negotiations don't align with the team's long-term vision. Reaves, who posted a career year with 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds on 46% shooting from the field and 37.7% from three, is eligible for a significant raise. Under the current CBA, the Lakers can offer him a four-year extension worth $89.2 million. Advertisement However, reports suggest Reaves is expected to opt out of his $53 million deal after next season and could seek a max-level extension in the $180–200 million range, which would pay him upwards of $42 million annually. For a player who struggled in the postseason, averaging just 16.2 points on 41.1% shooting, those are eye-popping numbers. And it may be too much for the Lakers' front office to stomach, especially after a first-round exit where Reaves' limitations were exposed by a tougher, more physical Timberwolves team. Rob Pelinka and the Lakers brass now face a critical decision: lock in Reaves at a premium rate despite playoff inconsistencies, or cash in on his rising value via trade while they still can. Reaves is not untouchable, far from it. According to Sports Illustrated's Ricardo Sandoval, 'If former Lakers star big man Anthony Davis is not untouchable, then Reaves falls into that same category — for the right price, of course." Advertisement The Lakers are known to be in the market for a major frontcourt upgrade or a third star to flank LeBron James and Luka Doncic, and including Reaves in a trade package could help match salaries while giving another team a plug-and-play scorer with youth and upside. The irony in Reaves' situation is that he's earned this moment. Undrafted out of Oklahoma, he worked his way from two-way hopeful to playoff starter and Team USA contributor. His fiery, fearless style won over Lakers fans, and even more importantly, LeBron James. But the postseason is a harsh evaluator, and in this league, value is measured in May, not March. If Reaves pushes for a deal nearing $200 million, as some insiders believe he might, the Lakers may be forced to explore sign-and-trade scenarios to recoup assets rather than risk losing him for nothing. The ideal return would include size, defense, and playoff toughness, traits L.A. sorely lacked against Minnesota. Advertisement Nothing is set in stone yet, but the writing may be on the wall. Unless Reaves and the Lakers can agree on a more modest extension, the relationship could be headed for an offseason split. And while fans may not want to hear it, sometimes moving on is what championship-chasing franchises have to do. Reaves was a revelation. But with luxury tax implications, roster needs, and postseason disappointments on the table, the Lakers could decide that the next chapter doesn't include him. Related: Joel Embiid To Lakers Can Happen Without Trading Austin Reaves, Says Bill Simmons
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lakers Front Office Reportedly Split Over Future Of Austin Reaves And Rui Hachimura
Lakers Front Office Reportedly Split Over Future Of Austin Reaves And Rui Hachimura originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Los Angeles Lakers are at a crossroads, and it's not just about who they add next; it's about who they might lose. Advertisement According to Insider Anthony Erwin, the Lakers' front office is deeply divided over the futures of Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, two players who have become mainstays in their rotation over the past two and a half seasons. As the franchise prepares for the first full year of the Luka Doncic era, tough decisions loom large. The tension stems from the Lakers' disappointing 2-12 record in their last 14 playoff games, including a first-round exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves. With limited trade assets and only one first-round pick to leverage, the Lakers' ability to upgrade the roster hinges on moving actual contributors, and that's where Reaves and Hachimura come into focus. Austin Reaves is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game on 46.0% shooting from the field and 37.7% from three-point range. Advertisement His affordable contract makes him one of the best value assets in the league, but that won't last. Reaves is expected to demand upwards of $30 million annually when he hits free agency in 2026, and his agent recently issued a sharp response to trade speculation, stating, 'You have no idea what's coming.' Despite his popularity and production, the Lakers aren't actively shopping Reaves unless the return is an All-Star caliber player who complements Doncic long-term. So far, no such deal exists. However, the cap situation and fit alongside Doncic raise internal concerns. Reaves struggles defensively against elite wings, and with Doncic and LeBron James both operating with high usage, there's an argument that the Lakers may need a more athletic, defensive-minded backcourt partner. Hachimura, meanwhile, may be the more likely trade candidate. Set to earn $18.2 million next season on an expiring deal, he's one of the few players whose salary and performance could fetch a rotation-level upgrade in return. Advertisement Despite dealing with a lingering knee issue, he was one of the few Lakers who showed up consistently in the postseason. His 41% three-point shooting and physicality on the wing give him value, but with James, Doncic, and Dorian Finney-Smith all defending similar positions, the fit becomes redundant. Some within the Lakers' front office want to make bold moves now, even if it costs popular players, believing that wasting another year of LeBron James and Doncic together would be organizational malpractice. Others prefer to wait for a full training camp to evaluate the fit before blowing things up. There's also speculation that the team may be saving its best assets for a future star partner for Doncic once LeBron's contract expires. Whatever direction the Lakers take, one thing is clear: this offseason will define their future. The debate around Reaves and Hachimura isn't just about two players; it's about whether LA is ready to act boldly or continue to play it safe with a roster that hasn't delivered when it matters most. Advertisement Related: Wild 3-Team Trade Proposal: Kevin Durant, Center, And Guard To Lakers; Suns Get 7 Players And 4 Picks This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
