As the NBA offseason draws closer to its conclusion, trade rumors surrounding Austin Reaves have intensified, casting doubt on his long-term future with the Los Angeles Lakers.
With the franchise pivoting from the LeBron James era to potentially building around Luka Doncic, Reaves, once considered the team’s third-best player, now finds himself at the center of trade discussions.
Despite his offensive reliability, concerns about his defensive limitations have prompted the Lakers to reevaluate his fit on a roster that recently added defensive specialist Marcus Smart.
At 27 years old and entering the final guaranteed year of his contract, Reaves is reportedly seeking a substantial raise in free agency, with some league insiders projecting offers of over $30 million annually.
That hefty price tag, coupled with his age and defensive issues, may be enough to convince the Lakers to trade him before losing him for nothing in free agency. This makes Reaves a valuable trade asset for the team, especially as they look to strengthen their supporting cast around Doncic.
Could Lively and Martin be the defensive duo L.A. needs?
NBA analyst Zach Buckley recently proposed an intriguing hypothetical trade: the Lakers would send Austin Reaves and a 2031 first-round pick to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for center Dereck Lively II and forward Caleb Martin.
Though speculative, the trade makes sense on paper. Lively, who played a critical role in the Mavericks’ 2024 NBA Finals run, brings elite rim protection and has proven chemistry with Doncic, making him a seamless fit alongside the star guard.
Caleb Martin, meanwhile, is known for his toughness and postseason performances, especially his breakout run with the Miami Heat in 2023. His versatility on both ends of the floor and ability to guard multiple positions could provide the Lakers with the type of gritty, defensive-minded wing they currently lack.
By acquiring both Lively and Martin, the Lakers would drastically improve their defensive ceiling while shedding the uncertainty around Reaves’ contract situation.
Lively could serve as a long-term anchor at center, backing up Deandre Ayton or even challenging for a starting role, while Martin would offer reliable depth on the wing, crucial in any playoff run.
Though it’s unclear whether the Mavericks would part with both Lively and Martin, this trade proposal reflects the Lakers’ evolving priorities: defense, youth, and compatibility with Doncic’s playstyle.
Trading Reaves would be a bold move, but one that might ultimately align with the Lakers’ long-term vision. While fans may be split on losing Reaves, this deal offers real upside and could help Los Angeles remain competitive in a shifting Western Conference landscape.
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