As the 2025 NBA offseason unfolds, speculation surrounding Austin Reaves‘ future with the Los Angeles Lakers continues to intensify. Although Reaves has expressed a desire to remain in Los Angeles, the team‘s strategic needs suggest a potential trade could still be in play.

The Lakers have conveyed openness to trading Reaves if a deal brings back a key center to bolster their roster balance. With Los Angeles seeking to improve interior defense, perimeter depth, and overall roster flexibility around stars Luka Dončić and LeBron James, exploring Austin Reaves’ potential trade landing spots in 2025 is crucial to understanding the team‘s direction.

Toronto Raptors: Seeking Perimeter Scoring and Spacing

The Toronto Raptors emerge as a credible suitor for Austin Reaves, aiming to enhance their perimeter offense and playmaking. A prospective trade includes the Raptors acquiring Reaves alongside Maxi Kleber, while the Lakers would receive Jakob Poeltl.

Toronto’s front office has demonstrated a willingness to pursue impactful roster moves following the acquisition of Brandon Ingram, with reports indicating they have quietly pursued a star player. NBA insider Jake Fischer noted the Raptors have considered moving players like RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, or Poeltl in a potential blockbuster.

Reaves brings a reliable three-point shot, hitting around 37 percent from deep throughout his career, and recently surpassed 20 points per game. His ability to operate efficiently alongside dominant ball-handlers like Barnes and Ingram makes him a valuable fit for Toronto’s offensive structure.

Jakob Poeltl would offer the Lakers a sturdy presence at center, known for solid defense and effective pick-and-roll play. Despite not being a flashy athlete, he has consistently ranked among the league’s top rebounders and shot blockers, providing the Purple and Gold with essential interior stability.

Utah Jazz’s Rebuild Could Benefit from Versatile Additions

The Utah Jazz stand as an intriguing option among the teams interested in Reaves, especially if they aim to transition from rebuilding to competing. A possible trade would send Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton, and a second-round pick to the Lakers in exchange for Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, and a 2030 first-round pick swap.

While the Jazz endured a franchise-worst 65 losses last season, their recent commitment to Lauri Markkanen through a lucrative long-term contract signals a willingness to pursue contention sooner than later. Markkanen’s struggles partly stemmed from insufficient supporting cast, a gap that Reaves could help fill with his scoring and playmaking abilities.

Adding Vanderbilt would reinforce Utah’s perimeter defense, and Knecht’s potential growth could further strengthen their depth. Although trading Kessler would leave a void in the center position, the Jazz could leverage salary cap space and assets to target a higher-impact big man.

For the Lakers, Walker Kessler represents a significant upgrade at center with his shot-blocking and rebounding prowess, while Sexton could offset scoring lost from Reaves’ departure. Acquiring an additional draft pick adds further long-term potential to Los Angeles’ asset pool.

New Orleans Pelicans’ Roster Overhaul Could Include Reaves

The New Orleans Pelicans might be ready to overhaul their roster this offseason, with a trade package potentially bringing Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent to New Orleans in exchange for Nic Claxton and Cameron Johnson, while the Brooklyn Nets would receive C.J. McCollum, Dalton Knecht, and notable future draft picks.

Though the Pelicans’ core remains largely intact amid offseason uncertainty, recent reporting emphasizes that

“there are no untouchables in New Orleans,”

suggesting flexibility in personnel decisions. The team’s injuries have been a primary obstacle to success rather than lack of talent.

Integrating Reaves would grant New Orleans an additional primary playmaker to complement a hopefully healthy Zion Williamson and contribute during Dejounte Murray’s recovery. With Reaves at 27 years old, he fits well within the team’s competitive timeline.

The Lakers would bolster their frontcourt with Claxton, an athletic rim-protector, and acquire Johnson, a versatile defender and shooter. Brooklyn’s haul of picks and a promising shooter in Knecht would support their ongoing asset accumulation strategy, while McCollum’s scoring could provide short-term value as a trade chip.

Detroit Pistons Eye Veteran Scoring and Efficiency

The Detroit Pistons may look to accelerate their growth following a playoff breakthrough, possibly viewing Austin Reaves as a key offensive piece. A proposed deal would send Jalen Duren, Simone Fontecchio, and a mid-second-round pick to the Lakers for Reaves.

Cade Cunningham’s emergence positions Detroit as a team on the rise, yet the lack of a consistent secondary scorer remains a challenge. Reaves’ career playoff averages above 16 points per game add promise, especially given the Pistons’ scoring struggles beyond Cunningham in recent postseason appearances.

Reaves’ shooting proficiency offers valuable spacing in a lineup including non-shooters like Ausar Thompson and Ronald Holland II, while free agents such as Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. provide additional perimeter options. Detroit’s interest in Reaves is understandable given their need for a complementary scorer who can also create efficiently.

Los Angeles would gain Jalen Duren, a big man with playmaking potential and athleticism, along with Fontecchio, a capable shooter coming off a down year but with proven range, bolstering their frontcourt depth and perimeter shooting.

Dallas Mavericks Could Provide a Natural Fit for Reaves

The Dallas Mavericks rank highest among possible destinations for Austin Reaves, offering a clear role and immediate opportunity. A potential trade would send Shake Milton and Dereck Lively II to Los Angeles in exchange for Reaves.

With star Kyrie Irving sidelined due to an ACL injury, Dallas requires a dependable ball-handler to sustain offensive flow alongside Anthony Davis and other contributors. Reaves’ proven ability to score efficiently, combined with respectable assist-to-turnover ratios, makes him a prime candidate to fill this void.

Having already developed chemistry with Davis in Los Angeles, Reaves could seamlessly integrate into Dallas’ system and take on a more featured offensive role, at least temporarily during Irving’s recovery.

The Lakers would strengthen their frontcourt with Lively—a young player who has drawn attention for his rebounding and shot-blocking—and would add P.J. Washington, offering defensive versatility and perimeter shooting. Both teams stand to benefit strategically, though fans on each side may resist losing familiar players involved in the deal.

The Stakes and Future Outlook of an Austin Reaves Trade

While Reaves has publicly affirmed his wish to stay with the Lakers, Los Angeles’ roster priorities and limited trade assets make his potential departure plausible in 2025. Each candidate team presents unique advantages based on fit, opportunity, and timeline for contention.

The Lakers must balance their need for an impact center and supportive role players against the risks and rewards of trading a proven scorer and playmaker who complements their top stars. For Austin Reaves, landing in a situation where he can expand his role and contribute meaningfully in pivotal moments could define the next phase of his career.

As the offseason trades begin to materialize, the landscape of these teams—and the trajectory of Austin Reaves’ career—will become clearer, with significant implications for both his future and that of the Los Angeles Lakers.