Austin Reaves has openly expressed his commitment to staying with the Los Angeles Lakers, but that allegiance could be tested if the team pursues a major trade involving superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. With Giannis potentially becoming available, the Lakers might consider including Reaves in negotiations as they weigh their future roster construction.
The Rising Value of Austin Reaves Amid Trade Speculation
According to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, any discussion between the Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks about acquiring Giannis would likely feature Austin Reaves as a key trade asset. Despite going undrafted just a few years ago, Reaves has developed into a vital player for the Lakers and a fan favorite, yet his growing reputation also makes him one of the team‘s most appealing pieces in a blockbuster deal.
It’s almost a surefire thing that if the Lakers and the Bucks get into trade negotiations for Giannis, the first name in terms of players that Milwaukee is going to ask about is Reaves,
Irwin said on the Lakers Lounge podcast.
And then it’s like, well, ‘Do you want Giannis or do you want to try to keep Reaves here?’
Austin Reaves’ Breakout Performance and Contract Situation
This offseason, Reaves declined a lucrative four-year contract offer worth $89.2 million from the Lakers, choosing instead to bet on himself by waiting for free agency next summer. If he opts out of his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season, he will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, opening the door to a significant payday.
NBA analyst Jovan Buha has projected that Reaves could secure a contract exceeding $120 million over four years, a remarkable leap for a player who entered the league undrafted four years prior. His blend of efficient scoring, solid playmaking, and toughness has positioned him as one of the Lakers’ most dependable players behind stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and in comparison to talents like Luka Doncic.
As LeBron James approaches the final years of his career, the Lakers’ management focuses on rebuilding around established franchise cornerstones for the future. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic stand out as potential foundational stars for the Lakers’ post-LeBron era ambitions.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Uncertain Future and Its Impact on Lakers’ Strategy
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains under contract with the Milwaukee Bucks through the 2027-28 season but holds a player option worth $62.8 million for the final year, giving him the power to become an unrestricted free agent. Should the Bucks falter again in the playoffs, speculation grows around the possibility of the Greek superstar seeking a new team.
If Milwaukee explores a sign-and-trade deal, Austin Reaves could be a centerpiece due to his upcoming contract timing and salary flexibility. His skill set and age profile make him an attractive piece for a Bucks roster aiming to retool around Giannis.
[Reaves] is the guy that team would probably ask for,
Reaves said,
He is going to be making enough money by way of his next contract to make contract matching that much easier if it comes to that.
For the Lakers, trade assets are limited. Besides Reaves, they hold only two future draft picks that can be traded—a first-rounder in 2031 or 2032 and a second-rounder in 2032. Their main financial flexibility comes from expiring contracts, such as LeBron James’ $52.6 million option next season. The team could gain an additional first-round pick next summer, adding some trade leverage.
Competition for Giannis and the Lakers’ Position
Other NBA contenders—including the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, and Los Angeles Clippers—are expected to pursue Giannis if he signals a desire to leave Milwaukee. For the Lakers, securing Giannis likely depends on whether he is willing to commit long-term to Los Angeles.
Lakers president Rob Pelinka has emphasized the team’s cap management has been carefully planned to maintain flexibility for both immediate moves and future opportunities. This approach could allow the Lakers to pursue major stars like Giannis or Nikola Jokic, who also might become free agents in 2027.
And we’ve been very intentional with keeping our optionality to make [win] now moves if there are good [win] now moves to make or to have sort of our flexibility in the future,
Pelinka recently stated.
But I say all that the optionality is there for us to use now if the right move comes our way. We want to make smart moves, but to be in a position of flexibility versus being stuck is really promising for how we’re going to build this team moving forward.
Implications for Austin Reaves and the Lakers’ Long-Term Outlook
At present, Austin Reaves remains a key member of the Lakers, cherished by fans and respected by teammates. However, the NBA landscape often forces teams to make difficult choices when pursuing transformative talent. If Giannis Antetokounmpo becomes available, the Lakers could face a tough decision on whether to retain Reaves or trade him as part of their effort to build a championship-contending roster around a generational superstar.