Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has looked like the best version of himself to start the 2025-26 season. In the extended absence of LeBron James, Reaves has stepped up as Luka Doncic‘s co-star, and the results have served the Lakers’ best interests.
Much of Los Angeles’ early success this season can be attributed to Reaves’ historic performances. With both Doncic and James out of action, the 27-year-old guard rose to the occasion. Having averaged 32.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game on 50.4% shooting from the field, with 36.2% from three-point range to start the season, the Lakers guard has looked phenomenal.
Having proven himself as a legitimate star, Austin Reaves is making a case for the Lakers to present him with a sizable extension offer next summer. But what if the Lakers opted to take a different approach to this situation?
Given that the guard is expected to decline his $14.9 million player option next summer, the Lakers will need to make some serious decisions about giving him a contract valued at nearly $40 million annually. In light of this, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale played with the idea of Los Angeles gauging trade interest for Reaves following his hot start.
Favale noted that several teams around the league would have the cap space and the interest in acquiring a player like Austin Reaves. Among the likely suitors, the insider identified the Detroit Pistons as a viable trade destination.
“The Detroit Pistons were at their best last season when they had another reliable ball-handling outlet to play in tandem with and independent of Cade Cunningham,” Favale wrote.
“Between Jaden Ivey’s right knee injury and Caris LeVert’s hamstring issue/slow start, the offense has failed to replicate that element.”
“While the Pistons are among the teams scheduled to have cap space over the summer, the restricted-free-agent holds for Ivey and Jalen Duren could remove them from the crop of big-time spenders. Acquiring Reaves and his Bird rights is safer. His arrival also safeguards them against Ivey not panning out.”
The notion of the Pistons acquiring Austin Reaves is certainly intriguing. Favale’s justification also applies to the Pistons, who could view the Lakers guard as a more promising alternative to Jaden Ivey. But what would a potential package look like?
The Pistons’ Potential Trade Package For Austin Reaves
Dan Favale noted that Los Angeles could take two different approaches when considering trade packages for Austin Reaves. One, they could consider bundling Reaves with draft capital and a handful of other players to acquire a superstar. Two, they could trade the 27-year-old in an attempt to acquire some draft compensation and some role players to keep the team competitive.
When considering a trade with the Pistons, acquiring a superstar seems quite unlikely, primarily due to their current lack of a bona fide All-Star outside of Cade Cunningham. Hence, acquiring role players with some draft capital appears to be a more realistic approach.
Favale proposed a package featuring Isaiah Stewart, Ronald Holland II, and first-round picks. The insider was clear in stating that Pistons forward Ausar Thompson would not be available in any trade negotiations. But he maintained that acquiring Jalen Duren could still be possible if the Lakers were inclined to offer him an extension.
In reference to Favale’s proposed package, acquiring Stewart and Holland II may not align with the Lakers’ plans, since it doesn’t necessarily make them a more competitive team.
Although Stewart is a reliable big man, his averages of 9.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game this season don’t come close to replicating Austin Reaves’ impact. Similarly, Holland, while a capable young guard with development potential, doesn’t present as much upside to the Lakers, even with an improved average of 10.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per game this season.
Additionally, both Stewart and Holland have three years left on their contract. Considering that the Lakers would also be required to take on more salary in this scenario, the Purple and Gold may not see as much value in this move.
As Favale mentioned, Duren could be a viable alternative. With his defensive and rebounding upside, the Pistons’ big man could be a solid acquisition for the Lakers, especially to strengthen their frontcourt rotation.
This season, Duren is averaging 17.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, shooting 63.8% from the floor. With a contract currently valued at $6.4 million and only one year left on his deal, the Lakers could see more benefit in acquiring him as part of a trade package from Detroit.
Should The Lakers Consider Trading Austin Reaves?
Following the reports about Austin Reaves’ decision to decline the Lakers’ extension offer, the guard was linked with several teams in trade rumors. Although Reaves is an invaluable asset for the Lakers, in trade discussions, especially those aimed at improving roster strength, the 27-year-old also represents Los Angeles’ best trade asset.
On this note, several sources have suggested that the Lakers consider trading Reaves in 2026 as part of a sign-and-trade deal to potentially acquire a superstar. However, such a move may not prove to be worthwhile.
The Lakers are currently committed to Luka Doncic’s timeline. With James, along with several players, becoming free agents in 2026, Los Angeles will have significant salary cap flexibility. Given Reaves’ development and his fit next to Doncic, there is no reason for Los Angeles to break up a potentially dynamic backcourt pairing.
Although some continue to doubt the Lakers’ ability to contend with Reaves as a primary scoring option, only time will tell whether this holds or not. Until then, it would be quite unwise for the Lakers to part with Austin Reaves.
