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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
