The future of Austin Reaves with the Los Angeles Lakers has become one of the most discussed topics this offseason. The guard is entering the final year of his contract, with a player option for $14.9 million that he is widely expected to decline. This sets the stage for him to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, which has seemingly become a bit of a popular option amongst players. The Lakers already offered him a four-year, $89 million extension, which Reaves turned down, making a common choice generally in hope of better offers when things get more interesting.

This contract situation, combined with the Lakers’ clear shift to building around Luka Dončić, has fueled constant trade speculation. Most of the rumors have involved packaging Reaves in a deal for an established superstar. However, a prominent NBA analyst has now introduced a completely different and less conventional angle to the conversation, suggesting a trade approach that has not been widely considered.

On a recent podcast Zach Lowe said he is “monitoring the Austin Reaves situation” and repeatedly circled a less noisy trade path for the 26 year-old-guard. “I’m just monitoring the Austin Reaves situation. I’m monitoring it”. He described a scenario that is not a blockbuster package for a superstar but instead a straight up fit for fit swap, a one for one style deal. “There’s another species of deal that has been less talked about which is like a one for one like for like like top-30 player for top-30 player and just a fit kind of deal”. Lowe underlined that he does not expect it to happen but that it is worth watching.

Lowe believes the Lakers are “thirsting to add a second megastar next to Luka.” The idea makes sense when you look at numbers and need. Reaves averaged 20.2 points and 5.8 assists last season, but that does not scream of immediate superstardom. If the Lakers can indeed snag a mega star they can build around for the next few years while giving the LeBron-Luka tandem another go at the championship, is that not the best option on the table?

Lowe’s analysis points to several factors that make this idea plausible. He questioned Reaves’ long term fit next to a ball dominant star like Dončić, asking, “Is Luka Reaves what you want to do long term?” He also suggested the Lakers coaching staff should discuss if Reaves might be more valuable as a high powered sixth man, an “offensive engine when Luka needs to get a blow”. With new additions like defensive minded Marcus Smart and the promising Jake LaRavia, the Lakers have options that could make a Reaves trade more about fit than talent loss.

This “less-talked about” idea presents a strategic alternative for the Lakers. Instead of waiting for a superstar to become available, they could proactively seek a player who addresses a specific need, such as a defensive oriented wing or a traditional center, without sacrificing overall team value. They have already signaled commitment to long-term flexibility with stars such as Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo being talked about.

However, in the present, flipping Austin Reaves for a star that better fits immediate needs makes sense on paper. But is there a star of that caliber available?

The cost of Walker Kessler

The potential for a Reaves trade is further clarified by the emerging market value for players who would fit the Lakers’ needs. A specific example has surfaced regarding Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, a player frequently linked to the Lakers in past rumors. Kessler, a young defensive anchor, is seen as an ideal long term fit next to Dončić.

According to a report from Lakers Daily, the Jazz’s asking price in any trade for Kessler would be significant. The package would require the Lakers to part with Austin Reaves and multiple first round picks. This high cost reflects Kessler’s value as a rising star and the Jazz’s reluctance to move him without a major return.

This reported price tag directly connects to Zach Lowe’s “one for one” trade concept. A deal centered around Reaves for a player like Kessler fits the model of swapping comparable talents for better roster fit. While adding two first round picks might be steep, it illustrates the kind of transaction Lowe was theorizing a trade that prioritizes filling a specific positional need with a quality player.

For the Lakers, this creates a clear decision point. They must determine if Reaves is a core piece of their future alongside Dončić, or if his greatest value to the organization now lies in being the key asset to acquire a different type of foundational player. As the season begins, Reaves’ performance will ultimately dictate which path the front office chooses to take.