The Los Angeles Lakers are considering a significant roster change involving Austin Reaves, whose trade value has surged after a standout 2024-25 season. This potential three-team deal aims to bolster their interior defense by acquiring Miami Heat All-Star Bam Adebayo, known for his elite rim protection and multiple NBA All-Defensive Team honors.
With limited draft assets and few young players to build around superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, the Lakers view Reaves as their most valuable trade chip. Analysts have suggested that acquiring Adebayo could address the team’s defensive shortcomings in the paint, leading to a proposed arrangement involving the Lakers, Heat, and Atlanta Hawks.
Details of the Proposed Three-Team Trade
The Lakers would receive Bam Adebayo, strengthening their frontcourt defense alongside Deandre Ayton and LeBron James. The Miami Heat, in turn, would acquire Austin Reaves, alongside Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, and a 2031 first-round draft pick, enhancing their backcourt depth. The Atlanta Hawks would take on Maxi Kleber, absorbing his $11 million expiring contract and gaining a reliable stretch big man to support center Onyeka Okongwu.
The trade offers benefits to all parties involved. For Miami, reuniting with Gabe Vincent, a key contributor to their 2023 NBA Finals run, provides experience and defensive support. Atlanta’s addition of Kleber adds frontcourt versatility without long-term salary concerns. Meanwhile, Los Angeles could effectively form a new “Big 4” featuring Doncic, James, Adebayo, and Ayton, with the latter two anchoring a formidable interior defense.
Though slightly undersized for a traditional center, Adebayo’s combination of length, strength, and athleticism allows him to be a dominant defensive presence, as well as a solid offensive contributor.
Owing to his length, athletic ability, and strength, the 3x All-Star is capable of anchoring the team’s defense while also being a key player on the offensive end.
—Analyst
Impact on Miami’s Roster and Further Trade Speculations
This trade would help Miami replace Duncan Robinson, who left for the Detroit Pistons during free agency. Adding Reaves to the backcourt alongside Tyler Herro could create matchup problems for opponents, although the overlap in skill sets between the two guards presents roster challenges.
In addition to Reaves, the Heat would also acquire Gabe Vincent and Dalton Knecht. While Vincent primarily adds defensive support and experience to the backcourt rotation, Knecht brings a lot of value as a scorer.
—Trade Commentator
Interest in the Lakers-Heat connection intensified after Luka Doncic and Bam Adebayo were seen together at a party in Greece hosted by Michael Jordan, sparking speculation about a possible future partnership on the Lakers roster. Their camaraderie fueled rumors that this trade could materialize sooner rather than later.
Timing and Financial Considerations in Pursuing Bam Adebayo
The window to acquire Adebayo may narrow after the 2025-26 season, before his lucrative three-year, $166 million contract extension kicks in. His salary will increase from nearly $37 million in 2025-26 to about $50 million the following year, escalating further to over $57 million by the 2028-29 season.
This makes the 2025-26 season the optimal time for a contender like the Lakers to pursue Adebayo while balancing their salary cap and championship ambitions. Successfully adding him alongside LeBron James, Luca Doncic, and Deandre Ayton could transform the Lakers’ defensive capabilities and solidify their status as serious title contenders.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does LeBron James like Austin Reaves?
A. For the past two and a half years, Reaves and James have developed a strong relationship, making it enjoyable to watch them. They work well together and have full confidence in one another. Typically, James relies more on seasoned players, but Reaves is an exception to this rule.
Q. How much is Austin Reaves’ salary?
A. Reaves is starting the third year of a $53.8 million contract that he signed in July 2023. In this deal, he has the option to earn $14.9 million during the 2026-27 season. Rejecting the Lakers’ current offer seems easy for Reaves, as he may earn much more by delaying his decision.
Q. How much is Austin Reaves paid?
A. After not being picked in 2021 from Oklahoma, Reaves signed his first major deal for four years worth $54 million in 2023.
Q. How much do Austin Reaves get paid?
A. Austin Reaves agreed to a 4-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $53,827,872. The full amount is guaranteed, with an average yearly pay of $13,456,968. For the 2025-26 season, Reaves is set to make a base salary of $13,937,574, with the same amount as his cap hit and dead cap value.