Austin Reaves' Lakers exit opens up space for $15,000,000 center to aid Luka Doncic & LeBron James in NBA mock trade
Austin Reaves didn't look like the best third option in the NBA in the LA Lakers' disappointing first-round playoff series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. As the Lakers enter what is expected to be a busy offseason, an athletic center sits atop their must-add list.
Reaves had the best season of his career, averaging 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Many analysts called him possibly the league’s top third option. However, his production dipped in the playoffs, where he averaged just 16.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 3.6 apg.
The Lakers guard shot just 41.1% and barely attempted two free throws per game. He also appeared to struggle to fit alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James, especially as the Slovenian star's ball dominance became more apparent.
With his struggles in this year's playoffs and the need for the LA Lakers to get a center, will the franchise make Austin Reaves available via trade? Reaves has two years left in his contract, with a player option worth $14.9 million for the 2026-27 season.
The Arkansas native is on a team-friendly deal, making him an attractive target for teams looking for secondary or tertiary scoring options. He has made strides every season, with his ability to draw fouls among his best traits.
One team that could show interest in Austin Reaves is the Atlanta Hawks. Let's look at what a possible package the Lakers can get from Atlanta in exchange for their third-best player.
NBA mock trade: LA Lakers acquire Onyeka Okongwu from Hawks for Austin Reaves
The LA Lakers won't have cap space unless LeBron James suddenly opts out of his contract and signs with another team. It's unlikely to happen unless "The King" decides to chase a fifth championship. Luka Doncic needs an athletic center, and there are plenty of options this offseason.
One of them is the Atlanta Hawks' Onyeka Okongwu, who is an athletic big. He can catch lobs from Doncic and James, as well as defend, rebound and even hit 3-point shots. He averaged 13.4 ppg and 8.9 rpg last season, shooting 56.7%, including 32.4% from beyond the arc.
Here's an NBA mock trade proposal between the Lakers and Hawks:
Lakers receive:
- Onyeka Okongwu
Total Salary: $15,000,000
Hawks receive:
- Austin Reaves
- 2027 first-round pick (Top 4 protected)
Total Salary: $13,937,574
In this scenario, the LA Lakers land a lob threat and interior defender who can run the floor with Dončić and James. Okongwu also protects the paint, freeing up Rui Hachimura and LeBron to play more aggressively on offense.
The Lakers lose an offensive weapon, but they can focus on getting a 3-and-D guard or at least a shooter in free agency. Some options include Malik Beasley, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Caris LeVert, Luke Kennard, Bruce Brown, Gary Trent Jr. and Keon Ellis.
Austin Reaves gives the Hawks a secondary ball-handler and a third option behind Trae Young and Jalen Johnson. Dyson Daniels can slide to the small forward position, while Young can play off the ball once in a while with Reaves as the playmaker.
The Lakers will likely need to add a first-round pick, but Rob Pelinka would likely push for that pick to carry protections.