We are now in the heart of the NBA winter market. One team that is virtually linked to every player on the loose is the Los Angeles Lakers. However, according to Shams Charania, any team exploring a deal with the Lakers is eyeing 25-year-old guard Austin Reaves. The Lakers’ reluctance to part ways with Reaves has become a significant roadblock, impeding the progress of potential trades. This stance has notably contributed to the stalled talks involving star player Zach LaVine. The Lakers’ commitment to retaining Reaves became even more apparent when they inked him to a four-year, $56 million contract last summer.

Reaves isn’t only connected to LaVine; recent headlines also position him as a potential component in a trade for Dejounte Murray to LA. The intriguing part is why a third-year guard is attracting more interest than a two-time NBA All-Star like Zach LaVine. Brian Windhorst delves into the reasons behind this anomaly.

Why is Austin Reaves more valuable than Zach LaVine?

In the latest NBA on ESPN episode, Brian Windhorst elaborated on why Austin Reaves is currently perceived as a more valuable asset than Zach LaVine, despite the latter being a better player. According to Brian, Reaves’ $12 million contract per year, coupled with his starter-level talent, makes him an enticing prospect for any team. To drive his point home, Windhorst drew a parallel with Bradley Beal’s situation, emphasizing that Beal was not traded to the Suns because he “stinks” but because of his contract, which included a no-trade clause.

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Likewise, the lack of significant interest in LaVine can be attributed to his substantial five-year, $215 million max extension, offered by the Bulls in the 2022 offseason. Adrian Wojnarowski explained, “Especially at that salary and with a new salary cap where you’re asking for yourself ‘Are you trading for him to be our best player? No. Our second best player? No. If he’s our third best player, do we want to pay that kind of money?’” 

However, with so many teams swarming for Austin Reaves, will the Lakers consider trading him?

Austin Reaves is not entirely untouchable

Recent reports indicate that while the Lakers have been hesitant to part ways with Austin Reaves, he is not considered entirely untouchable. With Reaves now trade-eligible and recognizing the team’s defensive challenges, the Lakers would be open to exploring a trade if a compelling offer comes their way.

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Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports suggests that the Lakers would entertain a deal with the Atlanta Hawks involving Austin Reaves, provided the Hawks offer “more value” in return. This potential trade could be mutually beneficial. Since joining the Lakers as an undrafted player in 2021, Reaves has steadily risen through the ranks to establish himself as a reliable third option behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. A new deal could potentially solidify his role as the centerpiece of a roster overhaul.

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