Lakers beat reporter Jovan Buha believes the New Orleans Pelicans could be an ideal landing spot for Austin Reaves if the Los Angeles Lakers explore a mid-season shake-up.
On his podcast, Buha’s Block, the reporter said a swap centered on Trey Murphy III would be one of the rare deals that make sense for both teams.
“An interesting one to me is Trey Murphy,” Buha said. “He’s a bit bigger — 6-foot-7, 6-foot-8 — and a better shooter. He’s harder to pick on defensively than Austin. … I could see Trey Murphy being a guy who fits really well next to Luka long term. Both L.A. and New Orleans would think they have the better player and would each demand an asset from the other to make it even.”
Buha added that while Reaves may currently be the more polished scorer, Murphy’s athleticism, size and shooting make him the sort of long-wing the Lakers have lacked since their 2020 championship run.
Reaves’ Fit Between Zion Williamson and Herb Jones
Buha also detailed how Reaves could thrive if the Pelicans were to land him.
“And then with Austin, you’re putting him in New Orleans as the lead ball-handler — someone who could fit really well next to Herb Jones and develop pick-and-roll chemistry with Zion [Williamson],” Buha explained. “You’d have to figure out what to do with Jordan Poole in that case, but yeah, I think that’s the one that comes closest.”
Such a move would give the Pelicans another secondary creator who can space the floor, attack closeouts, and run offense with Dejounte Murray. Reaves’ ability to draw fouls and create for teammates could also open easier looks for Williamson inside, while Jones’ defensive range could help mask Reaves’ occasional mismatches on the perimeter.
Why New Orleans Values Trey Murphy III
The Pelicans, however, may be reluctant to part with Murphy.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, New Orleans has placed an “exceptionally high asking price” on the 25-year-old, seeking multiple first-round picks and young talent in return.
Murphy is coming off a breakout campaign, averaging 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and shooting 38.3% from three. He recently signed a four-year, $113 million extension, solidifying him as a cornerstone of the franchise.
In preseason action, he’s continued to impress, averaging 15.6 points on 51.4% shooting and 1.7 steals.
Lakers’ Cap Crunch Fuels Trade Speculation
Meanwhile, the Lakers are facing financial crossroads with Reaves, who could command $40-plus million annually when he becomes a free agent, per The Athletic’s Dan Woike. If Los Angeles decides not to match that price, Murphy offers an appealing two-way replacement who fits the team’s defensive and size profile.
For New Orleans, adding a 27-year-old guard entering his prime could balance a roster built around frontcourt stars. Reaves’ high IQ and late-game poise would add stability to a lineup that has at times struggled to generate offense in half-court sets.
A Deal That Makes Basketball Sense — If Not Yet Financial Sense
Both franchises would likely see themselves as giving up the better player, creating what Buha called “a bit of a stalemate.”
Still, the concept has caught the attention of front-office observers as a rare win-win framework:
- Lakers gain a versatile 3-and-D forward with long-term control.
- Pelicans land a crafty, high-IQ guard who complements Zion Williamson and Herb Jones.
Whether such a blockbuster ever leaves the podcast realm remains to be seen, but Buha’s idea has already reignited debate about how Reaves and Murphy fit into their respective franchises’ futures.
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