The Los Angeles Lakers are at a crossroads. With LeBron James’ future in purple and gold uncertain, speculation is swirling about whether this could be his final season with the team. But an equally pressing conversation is emerging: could Austin Reaves, the Lakers’ homegrown gem, be traded this season? The idea feels unthinkable—yet it’s gaining surprising traction as a move that could reshape the Lakers’ roster for the better.
The Case for Trading Austin Reaves
Austin Reaves is the kind of player every franchise dreams of. Undrafted out of Oklahoma, he’s transformed into a 20-point-per-game scorer, a testament to the Lakers’ scouting and development. His work ethic, continuous improvement, and current team-friendly contract make him a cornerstone of the roster. Reaves plays with heart, delivers in clutch moments, and has become a fan favorite at Crypto.com Arena. So why even consider trading him?
The answer lies in the NBA’s financial landscape and the Lakers’ long-term strategy. Reaves is set to become a free agent next summer, and he’s poised for a massive payday that could strain the Lakers’ books under the restrictive second tax apron. With Luka Doncic already commanding a max contract as the team’s primary on-ball scorer and playmaker, paying Reaves a similar deal could create redundancy. Both players thrive with the ball in their hands, which raises a critical question: would the Lakers be better served trading Reaves for a two-way player who complements Doncic without needing to dominate the ball?
A Blockbuster Trade Proposal
Enter Jaden McDaniels, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 6’9” forward and a rising star on the defensive end. Longtime NBA writer Tom Ziller has floated McDaniels as a potential trade target, and the fit is intriguing. McDaniels is an All-Defense caliber player who can guard multiple positions, from quick guards to burly wings. Lakers fans saw his impact firsthand in last year’s playoff series, where his length and tenacity helped Minnesota dispatch Los Angeles in five games.
Offensively, McDaniels is a force in transition and a reliable spot-up shooter, with a skill set that would mesh seamlessly with Doncic’s playmaking. Unlike Reaves, McDaniels doesn’t need the ball to maximize his impact, making him an ideal complementary piece. His contract, a cost-controlled deal averaging $27 million per season for the next four years, is another selling point. It’s a bargain for a player of his caliber and provides the Lakers with financial flexibility moving forward.
Here’s what a potential trade could look like, as proposed by Ziller:
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Lakers receive: Jaden McDaniels
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Timberwolves receive: Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, and potentially draft compensation
This deal would allow the Lakers to shed Vanderbilt’s contract, avoid committing to Reaves’ next big deal, and lock in a young, two-way wing who fits their timeline. Meanwhile, Minnesota would gain Reaves’ scoring and playmaking to bolster their backcourt, along with Vanderbilt’s defensive versatility.
Why It Makes Sense
The trade aligns with the Lakers’ need to build a roster that maximizes Doncic’s prime while staying competitive in the long term. McDaniels’ defensive prowess would address a glaring weakness exposed in last year’s playoffs, where the Lakers struggled to contain versatile wings. His ability to stretch the floor as a shooter—likely to improve playing off Doncic’s gravity—adds another dimension to the offense. Pairing McDaniels with Doncic creates a balanced core, with one player anchoring the offense and the other locking down the perimeter.
The Lakers would still need secondary shot creation, whether from LeBron James (if he stays) or another acquisition. They could also push for draft picks in the deal to sweeten the pot, giving them assets to pursue additional talent. For Minnesota, Reaves’ offensive spark could complement Anthony Edwards, while Vanderbilt adds depth to their frontcourt.
The Emotional and Strategic Hurdle
Trading Reaves would be a gut punch for Lakers fans. He’s a success story, a player who embodies the grit and hustle the franchise values. But sentimentality can’t override strategy. General Manager Rob Pelinka has shown a willingness to make bold moves, and this trade could be the next blockbuster to reshape the roster. It’s a deal that makes sense on paper—McDaniels’ fit, contract, and youth align with the Lakers’ vision—but pulling the trigger would require courage.
The idea of trading Austin Reaves feels unthinkable, but the logic is hard to ignore. Swapping him for Jaden McDaniels could give the Lakers a roster that’s better equipped for the present and future, with a defensive anchor who complements their star in Doncic. As the Lakers weigh their options, this trade scenario is gaining surprising support among analysts and insiders. Whether Pelinka and company have the stomach to part with a fan favorite remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this move could redefine the Lakers’ trajectory in ways few saw coming.