Austin Reaves has been one of the Los Angeles Lakers’ stars rumored to be on the market.
After a solid season with the Purple and Gold, the guard is eligible for an extension this summer. If he finishes the 2025–26 season without a new deal, he’ll hit unrestricted free agency next summer and can decline his player option the year after.
Fox Sports analyst Nick Wright highlighted the possibility of Los Angeles trading Reaves to address a roster need by acquiring a starting center. The lack of a true big man was evident in the team’s First Round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Nick Wright Suggests Dealing Austin Reaves for Utah Jazz Big
Speaking on his podcast, “What’s Wright? with Nick Wright,” the analyst discussed the idea of trading Austin Reaves for a long-sought target in 23-year-old center Walker Kessler. The Lakers have been linked to the big man for more than two seasons, but no significant moves have led to a deal.
“So, what’s Austin Reaves’ worth?” Wright asked. “If Desmond Bane is worth four first-rounders, then is the Lakers’ real path to a center a three-team trade where Utah doesn’t want Austin Reaves because they do not want to compete yet?”
He added, “But if you flip Austin Reaves to a team that does want him and has a bunch of picks, those picks go to Utah, and Walker Kessler goes to the Lakers.”
Should the Lakers trade Austin Reaves for a starting center?@getnickwright breaks down how LA can do it pic.twitter.com/Yf2kax1Sy0
— What’s Wright? with Nick Wright (@WhatsWrightShow) June 19, 2025
Kessler would address LA’s glaring need for a starting center with his reliable two-way play. While he may not have the same impact as Anthony Davis, his skill set fits well with Luka Dončić’s style of play.
Over the years, the Jazz big man has earned a reputation as a strong shot blocker and rim protector. His defensive presence would help solidify the Lakers’ interior.
He ended the 2024–25 NBA season averaging 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 0.6 steals in 58 games. Reaves, meanwhile, averaged 20.2 points on 46% shooting from the field and 37.7% from deep. He added 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists and showed his durability by appearing in 73 games.
At the time of writing, there is no sign the Lakers plan to trade Reaves, who has been their most reliable star alongside LeBron James and Dončić.
The guard has expressed a desire to spend his entire basketball career in Los Angeles. Whether that happens remains to be seen as the Lakers prepare for major moves this summer.