If Austin Reaves is traded this offseason, the Mavericks seem like a possible landing spot.
In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks have finalized a blockbuster trade centered around Lakers guard Austin Reaves. The deal, reported by Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, sees Reaves and Shake Milton heading to Dallas in exchange for rising star center Dereck Lively II and versatile forward P.J. Washington. This trade follows an earlier controversial swap between the two teams, where Luka Dončić was sent to LA for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future draft pick. With both franchises reshaping their rosters, this latest trade promises to redefine the Western Conference landscape.
Why the Mavericks Targeted Austin Reaves
The Mavericks, reeling from the loss of Luka Dončić and a devastating ACL injury to Kyrie Irving, are in desperate need of playmaking and scoring to stabilize their backcourt. Austin Reaves, a proven 20-point scorer and efficient playmaker, fits the bill perfectly. Averaging 5.8 assists against just 2.4 turnovers as a third option in Los Angeles, Reaves has shown he can handle the ball and create for others. In Dallas, he could step into a more prominent role, especially while Irving recovers, and his prior chemistry with Anthony Davis—now a Maverick—could help Dallas maintain offensive continuity.
Reaves’ ability to slot alongside a healthy Irving and Davis makes him an ideal acquisition for a Mavericks team looking to remain competitive in the West. His efficiency, versatility, and clutch performance in high-pressure situations add a dynamic element to Dallas’ revamped roster. However, with Reaves due for a lucrative contract extension after this season, the Mavericks will need to weigh the financial implications of this move.
What the Lakers Gain in Lively and Washington
For the Lakers, parting with Reaves—a fan favorite and key contributor—was not an easy decision. However, the return of Dereck Lively II and P.J. Washington addresses critical needs for the purple and gold. Lively, a 7-foot-1 center with All-Star potential, has been a revelation in his first two seasons when healthy. His rim protection, lob-finishing ability, and surprising mobility make him a perfect fit alongside Luka Dončić in Los Angeles. Having played over a season with Dončić in Dallas, Lively could hit the ground running as the Lakers’ new anchor in the paint.
P.J. Washington, meanwhile, brings defensive versatility and three-point shooting to the Lakers’ perimeter. A 6-foot-7 forward capable of guarding multiple positions, Washington also has experience playing with Dončić, which could ease his transition to LA. His ability to stretch the floor (shooting 35% from three last season) complements the Lakers’ new-look offense, giving Dončić more space to operate.
Shake Milton, included to make the salaries work, is a depth piece for Dallas but unlikely to see significant minutes unless injuries arise.
The Cost for Both Teams
The trade is a gamble for both sides. For Dallas, giving up Lively—a cornerstone of their future with his rookie-scale contract and sky-high potential—is a steep price. Washington, too, is a valuable two-way player who fits well in modern NBA lineups. The Mavericks are betting that Reaves’ immediate impact and fit with Davis and Irving will outweigh the long-term value of the players they’re losing. However, Reaves’ impending extension could strain Dallas’ cap space, especially with Irving and Davis already commanding max contracts.
For the Lakers, losing Reaves stings. His growth into a reliable 20-point scorer and playmaker made him a core piece of their roster. However, Lively’s potential as a franchise center and Washington’s versatility make this a calculated risk. The Lakers are banking on Lively staying healthy and developing into a star, while Washington’s two-way play should help them compete now.
Fan Reactions and Win-Win Potential
As Buckley notes, both fanbases might initially balk at losing beloved players. Lakers fans have embraced Reaves for his grit and clutch performances, while Mavericks fans see Lively as a future All-Star and Washington as a key contributor. Yet, this mutual dissatisfaction often signals a balanced trade with win-win potential. The Lakers bolster their frontcourt and perimeter defense to complement Dončić, while the Mavericks gain a dynamic guard to keep them afloat during Irving’s recovery and beyond.
NBA Implications
This trade further intensifies the Western Conference arms race. The Lakers, now built around Dončić, Lively, and Washington, look poised to contend for a top seed if they can integrate their new pieces. The Mavericks, meanwhile, are doubling down on their championship aspirations with a core of Davis, Irving (when healthy), and Reaves. Both teams are taking big swings, but the success of this deal will hinge on health, chemistry, and how each player adapts to their new role.
As the NBA offseason heats up, this blockbuster trade between the Lakers and Mavericks is sure to dominate headlines. With two teams reshaping their futures, the 2025-26 season just got a lot more unpredictable.