The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a major decision on rising star Austin Reaves, who is drawing widespread interest across the NBA — with potential offers reportedly “north of $40 million per year.”
Reaves, who has looked every bit like an All-Star in preseason action, is averaging 22.0 points per game while showcasing improved shot creation and playmaking. He dropped 25 points against the Phoenix Suns next to a debuting Luka Dončić three nights ago. But despite his offensive growth, questions linger about his long-term fit on both ends of the floor, particularly on defense.
The Lakers now face a defining choice: extend Reaves at near-max money or explore trade scenarios that bring back a more balanced two-way wing to complement Dončić.
Buha: Trey Murphy III the ‘Most Interesting Pivot’
On the latest episode of Buha’s Block, Jovan Buha identified Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans as a potential trade target who checks several boxes for Los Angeles.
“There isn’t necessarily a player off the top of my head that I think I would trade Austin for straight up,” Buha said. “But an interesting one to me is Trey Murphy. He’s a bit bigger — 6-foot-7, 6-foot-8 — and a better shooter. He’s harder to pick on defensively than Austin.”
Buha added that a potential Lakers–Pelicans deal would likely lead to a stalemate, since both sides would believe they hold the superior player and demand additional assets to balance the trade.
“Trey Murphy’s maybe the guy who’s the closest to Austin — an interesting pivot for both teams,” Buha said. “You’re putting an elite shooter and burgeoning offensive talent in Murphy around Luka, but also a guy with more size and athleticism than Austin.”
Pelicans Have Placed High Value on Murphy
Murphy, 25, is widely regarded as one of the NBA’s most promising 3-and-D forwards. According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Pelicans have maintained “an exceptionally high asking price” for Murphy — seeking multiple first-round picks and proven young talent.
He recently signed a four-year, $113 million extension that cements his role as a long-term building block in New Orleans. Murphy is coming off a breakout season, averaging 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, with 1.1 steals per game and 38.3% shooting from three.
In preseason, he’s again been productive, averaging 15.6 points on 51.4% shooting and 1.7 steals, showcasing his elite two-way skillset.
Reaves’ Contract and Free Agency Outlook
The Lakers offered Reaves a four-year, $89.2 million extension last summer, which he declined. Instead, he’s betting on himself heading into free agency — where he could command a deal in the range of $40–42.5 million annually.
“If he plays well, there will be offers north of $40 million for him,” The Athletic’s Dan Woike said on The Zach Lowe Show. “With the cap jump, his max from another team starts around $42 million. It’s him and Trae Young — those are the free agents everyone’s watching.”
Reaves, 27, can become an unrestricted free agent next offseason if he declines his $15 million player option for 2026–27. According to ESPN’s front office insider Bobby Marks, he could be eligible for up to 25% of the cap, putting him in the same salary range as Ja Morant, Darius Garland, Zion Williamson, OG Anunoby, and Domantas Sabonis.
Lakers’ Dilemma: Extend or Trade?
For the Lakers, the decision boils down to fit and financial strategy. Reaves has proven capable of creating offense and thriving alongside Dončić. Still, Los Angeles is seeking a championship-caliber two-way wing, according to veteran NBA insider Marc Stein. The Lakers had failed trade talks with Miami for Andrew Wiggins. Murphy is much younger and about to enter his prime on a team-friendly deal, but the Pelicans’ rising star will command a higher trade cost.
If Reaves continues his ascent, he could play himself into a max deal — but if the Lakers believe Murphy or a similar player better elevates their ceiling, a trade could be the next logical step.
“Players who are 27 years old and average 20 points a game rarely hit unrestricted free agency,” Woike added. “If teams believe Reaves can be an offensive engine, he’s going to have real suitors at a big number.”
The Lakers have time to decide — but every breakout performance from Reaves only raises the stakes.
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