Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is viewed as one of the most valuable pieces on the team’s roster. When considering his ability to impact games with his versatile scoring and playmaking skills, the Lakers perceive the guard as a piece for the future.
Unfortunately, the franchise may be at risk of losing him next summer. After Reaves declined an extension this offseason, it became clear that he plans to decline his player option in pursuit of a new contract.
Recent reports have suggested that the 27-year-old could be seeking approximately $35 million annually in his new deal. While the Purple and Gold have every intention of retaining him, this figure may prove to be too costly.
On this note, the San Antonio Spurs have emerged as a frontrunner to sign Reaves in the event he tests free agency next summer.
Given Reaves’ increasing value, it would be unwise for the Lakers to let him walk away for nothing next summer. Hence, to make the most of his contract, we look at a trade proposal that would allow Los Angeles to gain something meaningful in return for its star.
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Jeremy Sochan, Julian Champagnie, 2027 first-round pick (ATL), 2029 first-round pick
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Austin Reaves
While parting ways with Reaves may not seem appealing, especially for those within the fan base, there is certainly something to be gained from pursuing this deal.
Does Reaves Help The Spurs Improve?
For the Spurs, acquiring Austin Reaves would be a massive addition to their overall roster. Considering his versatility on offense and his recent experience as a starter, San Antonio could look at utilizing the 27-year-old in a variety of situations, making him a solid roster piece on a developing squad.
The Spurs currently have a lot of depth in the guard rotation. With the trio of De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper expected to start, the team also features the likes of Devin Vassell off the bench.
This gives San Antonio a lot of flexibility in experimenting with different lineups. Should Reaves enter the starting lineup alongside Fox, there is no doubt that the Spurs would boast one of the most formidable backcourts in the league.
Last season, Reaves averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, while shooting 46.0% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range. Considering that he was a tertiary option on offense for the Lakers, the guard could see a significant uptick in scoring if he plays a more significant role for San Antonio.
At 27, Reaves is also young enough to align with the Spurs’ timeline to emerge as contenders.
With the development of their young stars being a key storyline, a player like Reaves could play a key role as a starter early on, gradually transitioning into a role with the second unit, still being a productive and vital part of the rotation.
Currently, the Spurs also have the cap space to absorb Reaves’ potential cap hit if he demands a contract worth $30+ million annually. Depending on his performance, San Antonio may consider retaining him, too.
How Do The Lakers Benefit?
For the Lakers, this deal has upside in different ways. Replacing Reaves’ production could prove to be a challenge. But considering the arrival of Jeremy Sochan, Julian Champagnie, and two first-round picks (2027 and 2029), the Lakers may see benefit for the future.
With a solid rotation in place, the Lakers may seek to strengthen their bench depth. On this note, acquiring Sochan and Champagnie could have merit.
Sochan has established himself as a capable perimeter defender with rebounding upside and athleticism. When also considering his improving three-point shooting skills, the forward could develop into a solid rotation piece to increase the bench contribution.
Last season, Sochan averaged 11.4 points and 6.5 rebounds, while shooting 53.5% from the field and 30.8% from three. Given his potential to be a point-of-attack defender in the second unit, Los Angeles could see value in acquiring him.
Meanwhile, Champagnie has shown potential as a two-way player. While primarily acting as a scoring contributor off the bench, the 24-year-old has also shown flashes of being a capable help and weak-side defender.
Last season, Champagnie showed upside as a 3-and-D player, as he averaged 9.9 points and 3.9 rebounds to go with 0.7 steals per game in 23.6 minutes played. He also shot 41.5% from the field and 37.1% from three, displaying the ability to contribute on offense with the second unit.
Acquiring Sochan and Champagnie also has value from the perspective of the Lakers’ salary cap. Both Spurs forwards are on relatively low-cost contracts, combining for approximately $10 million.Â
With this trade, the Lakers would clear $3.9 million (after deducting Reaves’ $13.9 million outgoing salary) in cap space for the season, allowing them to pursue more free agent signings, while also gaining two first-rounders that could act as assets in future trades.
Sochan is also on an expiring contract, which allows the Lakers to clear cap space next summer. Although Champagnie has two years left on his deal, with a team option for the 2026-27 season, the Lakers could see more money coming off the books if they choose to let him walk.
Reaves’ Position Will Be Decided Next Season
The upcoming season could be crucial in deciding what Reaves’ future with the Lakers could look like.Â
The franchise has improved its roster this summer. With all the right tools in place, they could make a legitimate run at winning it all. It is also evident that Reaves’ development and overall production will be a major factor in this pursuit.
Given the expectations of the team to win the title, Los Angeles will look to its young star to be a factor in contributing to victories, along with its superstar duo of Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
Reaves has indicated that he would like to remain with the Lakers for the entirety of his career. Given that this kind of loyalty is rare in the modern era, the Purple and Gold may still consider extending a sizable offer to him.
