Despite consistently stating that they “have never shown interest in trading Austin Reaves,” the Los Angeles Lakers are once again being linked to trade speculation involving their breakout guard.
According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, the front office still considers Reaves a long-term piece, but the pressure to improve the roster around LeBron James and Luka Doncic is beginning to push conversations into uncomfortable territory. As Woike noted, “there are skeptics around the NBA, mainly because there’s pressure for the Lakers to aggressively upgrade their roster.”
That pressure has birthed a new hypothetical from Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley, who proposed a destination for Austin Reaves: The Toronto Raptors.
And this is a proposed deal that can get Austin Reaves to Toronto:
Toronto Raptors Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: RJ Barrett, Ochai Adbaji, 2027 Toronto Raptors first-round pick
From a basketball standpoint, the deal raises eyebrows on both ends. Reaves, 27, is coming off a season in which he averaged 20.2 points and 5.8 assists, producing like a borderline All-Star while making just role-player money.
His value is at an all-time high, especially considering that he only has one guaranteed year remaining on his contract. After rejecting a contract extension offer from the Lakers this offseason, Reaves is expected to test free agency in 2026 — though many believe he will ultimately re-sign with the team as a five-year deal worth up to $246 million could be on the table as well.
That looming payday, combined with his imperfect on-court pairing with Luka Doncic, both prefer the ball in their hands and bring questions defensively, has made some around the league wonder whether the Lakers will sell high now to better balance the roster.
Still, it’s hard to imagine Los Angeles pulling the trigger on this particular deal. RJ Barrett, though talented, has struggled with consistency, and while Ochai Agbaji brings some upside as a 3-and-D wing, neither qualifies as a clear-cut upgrade. The 2027 first-round pick sweetens the pot slightly, but it doesn’t come close to matching the production and upside Reaves offers right now.
From Toronto’s perspective, the move is bold but potentially franchise-altering. Reaves checks multiple boxes: perimeter scoring, playmaking, shooting, and the ability to grow with their young core.
Paired alongside Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and Brandon Ingram, Reaves could give the Raptors one of the most promising young offensive units in the Eastern Conference.
Yet, even if Reaves makes basketball sense in Toronto, the Lakers are unlikely to agree to such a deal unless a star-level player like Barnes or Ingram is involved. That’s not the case here.
Ultimately, while Reaves may become a trade chip if the Lakers need to swing big before next year’s deadline, this proposal feels like a lowball return. LA values Reaves highly, not just for his play but also for his fit alongside LeBron and Luka.
Unless a legitimate star becomes available, expect the Lakers to bet on re-signing Reaves next offseason and continuing to build around him, not trade him away for pennies on the dollar.
