Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has emerged as one of the most valuable pieces on the roster. Known for his versatile scoring and playmaking, Reaves has proven he can impact games in multiple ways. Yet, with the 27-year-old reportedly seeking a $35 million annual contract, the Lakers could face a difficult decision next summer: retain him at a high cost or explore trade options.
Spurs Emerge as Potential Landing Spot
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According to reports, the San Antonio Spurs are monitoring Reaves ahead of the 2026 free agency period. With cap space and a young, developing roster, the Spurs could leverage Reaves’ versatility to complement their star, Victor Wembanyama.
Sports analyst Siddhant Gupta of Fadeaway World suggested a potential trade scenario in which the Lakers send Reaves to San Antonio, receiving Jeremy Sochan, Julian Champagnie, and two first-round picks (2027 and 2029) in return. While losing Reaves would be painful, the Lakers could gain future flexibility and talent to strengthen their roster.
How Reaves Could Fit With the San Antonio Spurs
Reaves’ addition would significantly bolster the Spurs’ lineup. Last season, he averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, while shooting 46.0% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range. On a Spurs team featuring De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper, Reaves could start or come off the bench, providing scoring, playmaking, and veteran leadership.
The Spurs’ depth at guard, combined with Reaves’ experience, could create one of the league’s most versatile backcourts. At 27, he would also fit neatly within San Antonio’s timeline to contend in the coming seasons.
Lakers Trade Rumors: Benefits for Los Angeles
For the Lakers, trading Reaves would free up cap space while acquiring Sochan, Champagnie, and future picks.
- Jeremy Sochan, 22, averaged 11.4 points and 6.5 rebounds last season and has shown promise as a two-way player with developing three-point shooting.
- Julian Champagnie, 24, brings scoring and 3-and-D potential off the bench, averaging 9.9 points on 37.1% three-point shooting.
Combined, Sochan and Champagnie make approximately $10 million, meaning the Lakers could clear roughly $3.9 million after Reaves’ $13.9 million salary. In addition, the two first-round picks could serve as future trade assets or draft capital to rebuild the bench and maintain flexibility around LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Trade Blockbuster Proposal
Mark Morales-Smith of Sports Illustrated proposed a more aggressive Lakers trade rumor, suggesting a package that would send Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a second-round pick to the Spurs in exchange for Devin Vassell, Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan, and a first-round pick.
While Reaves is a proven scorer, the Spurs may be reluctant to part with Castle, last season’s NBA Rookie of the Year, for a single guard—even one as talented as Reaves. Castle averaged 14.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.7 rebounds, showing the defensive and offensive upside that fits San Antonio’s timeline.
Weighing the Lakers’ Options
The upcoming season could be pivotal in determining Reaves’ future with Los Angeles. If he continues to develop as a secondary star alongside LeBron and Luka, the Lakers may opt to retain him, even at a premium salary. However, if the price is too steep, moving Reaves in a trade could provide financial flexibility, rotation depth, and draft capital to ensure the Lakers remain competitive in the post-LeBron era.
With multiple Lakers trade rumors swirling around Reaves this offseason, fans can expect speculation to intensify as teams evaluate their rosters before next summer’s free agency period.