The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a transformative 2025 offseason, with rumors swirling about a blockbuster three-team trade that could land them a former teammate of Stephen Curry, a 6-foot-11 superstar with a staggering $194 million contract. According to a recent trade proposal by Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Caudell, this deal could reshape the Lakers’ roster, addressing their critical need for a dominant frontcourt presence to complement Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
A Star-Studded Trade Proposal
The NBA offseason is no stranger to bold trade predictions, but Caudell’s proposal has sent shockwaves through the league. The Lakers, coming off a disappointing first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025, are under pressure to bolster their roster. With Dončić’s $46 million player option looming in 2026 and LeBron James nearing the twilight of his career, general manager Rob Pelinka has little room for error. The proposed trade would see the Lakers acquire Kevin Durant, a two-time NBA champion and former MVP, along with Terance Mann and Nick Richards, while parting ways with key assets like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and rookie Dalton Knecht, among others.
The trade breakdown, as outlined by Caudell, is as follows:
Lakers receive: Kevin Durant, Terance Mann, Nick Richards
Suns receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, Shake Milton, Gabe Vincent, Kobe Bufkin, and four future draft picks
Hawks receive: Grayson Allen, Cody Martin, Jarred Vanderbilt
This deal would bring Durant, Curry’s former Golden State Warriors teammate, to Los Angeles, reuniting him with a championship-caliber roster. Additionally, the inclusion of Richards, a serviceable big man, addresses the Lakers’ glaring need for frontcourt depth, especially after their struggles against elite centers like Rudy Gobert in the playoffs.
Why Durant to the Lakers Makes Sense
Kevin Durant, a 14-time All-Star and one of the most versatile scorers in NBA history, would instantly elevate the Lakers’ championship aspirations. At 6-foot-11, Durant’s ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with his defensive versatility, makes him an ideal fit alongside Dončić’s playmaking and James’ leadership. The Lakers’ lack of a dominant big man has been a persistent issue, and while Richards isn’t an All-Star, his rebounding and rim protection would provide much-needed balance.
Caudell notes that trading Reaves and a first-round pick for an aging Durant might raise eyebrows, given Reaves’ postseason struggles and defensive limitations. However, Durant’s proven two-way impact could outweigh those concerns, offering the Lakers a legitimate third star to compete in the loaded Western Conference. With Dončić’s future in Los Angeles uncertain beyond 2025-26, landing a superstar like Durant could be the key to convincing him to stay long-term.
The Cost of Ambition
The proposed trade doesn’t come without risks. Parting with Austin Reaves, a fan favorite and rising star, would be a tough pill to swallow for Lakers fans. Reaves, who averaged at least 20 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists in the 2024-25 season, has been a cornerstone of the Lakers’ young core. Trading him, along with promising rookie Dalton Knecht and other assets, could deplete the team’s depth and future flexibility. Additionally, Durant’s age (36) and injury history add an element of uncertainty to the deal.
On the other hand, the Suns would receive a haul of young talent and draft picks, allowing them to rebuild around Devin Booker. The Hawks, meanwhile, would acquire valuable role players in Grayson Allen, Cody Martin, and Jarred Vanderbilt, giving them flexibility to either contend or retool their roster. This three-team structure ensures all parties walk away with something valuable, but the Lakers are clearly betting on Durant’s immediate impact to push them over the hump.
The Lakers’ Bigger Picture
The Lakers’ offseason strategy extends beyond this single trade. After trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Dončić, the team has been aggressively pursuing a starting center to fill the void. Previous reports have linked them to names like Jarrett Allen, Jonas Valančiūnas, and Domantas Sabonis, but Durant’s potential acquisition would signal a shift toward prioritizing star power over traditional big-man depth. With LeBron James now over 40 and considering retirement, the clock is ticking for the Lakers to maximize their championship window.
The Western Conference remains a gauntlet, with teams like the Timberwolves, Thunder, and Warriors all posing significant challenges. Durant’s addition could give the Lakers the firepower needed to compete with these juggernauts, but it comes at the cost of long-term assets. Whether Pelinka pulls the trigger on this deal or explores other options, the 2025 offseason promises to be a defining moment for the Lakers’ future.
What’s Next?
As the NBA offseason heats up, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see if this blockbuster trade comes to fruition. Will Kevin Durant don the purple and gold, or will the Lakers pivot to another target? One thing is certain: the Lakers are all-in on building a contender around Dončić and James, and this mysterious three-team trade could be the spark that ignites their championship hopes. Stay tuned for more updates as the offseason unfolds!