Austin Reaves continued his upwards trajectory in his fourth season in the NBA. He averaged a career-high 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.3 blocks per game while shooting 46.0% from the field, 37.7% from three-point range and 87.7% from the free-throw line.
While there were questions about his fit alongside Luka Dončić following a midseason blockbuster trade, the Los Angeles Lakers guard continued to produce at a high level. His production, however, took a step back in the postseason as the Lakers were eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in their first-round series.
Reaves averaged just 16.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.6 apg, 0.2 spg and 0.6 bpg on 41.1/31.9/85.7 shooting splits. His long-term fit with Dončić has been brought into question leading to speculation that he could be moved this summer for a piece that fits better — particularly a center, which is a glaring need for Los Angeles.
Aaron Reilly, who serves as Reaves’ agent, fired back at those suggesting he should be moved.
“Next year is going to be a show,” Aaron Reilly claimed Saturday. “People really have no idea what’s to come. Keep putting him in trade rumors for second string centers.”
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While the Lakers have long maintained the stance that they want to keep Reaves, it is fair to question his fit with Dončić — particularly defensively. Furthermore, he is expected to seek a salary over $30 million, with some reports suggesting that he could receive an even bigger deal as an unrestricted free agent next summer.
If Los Angeles is unwilling to commit such an amount to Reaves — who will earn just $13.9 million next season — they could look to receive some value in return. Despite him being a key member of their core, he also remains their most attractive trade chip, if they choose to go that route.
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