With the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching, NBA agent Rich Paul has made trade scenarios talking points on his “Game Over” podcast with Max Kellerman.
As an agent and friend of LeBron James, Paul had the Los Angeles Lakers as a main topic for trade scenarios. One of those scenarios involved letting go of Austin Reaves.
Rich Paul Clears the Air About His Proposed Austin Reaves Trade
In the first few months of the 2025-26 season, Reaves has proven to be an important asset to the Lakers, evolving into the team’s second option. This led to Paul suggesting the idea of trading him to a team that would pay him. Apparently, his comments didn’t sit well with Reaves’ agent.
In an episode of the podcast, Paul stated that the Lakers need to trade Reaves for the Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. His logic behind the trade scenario was that the Lakers’ lineup would be more balanced, while Reaves would receive the supermax extension he deserves.
Reaves’ agent, Reggie Berry, reportedly didn’t appreciate Paul’s comments and confronted him during the Lakers’ most recent game against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. Per reports, Berry approached Paul on the sideline near half court during halftime to discuss the Reaves situation.
Paul has now clarified what he meant by proposing a trade scenario for Reaves. The agent explained that his takes were hypothetical and not something he is urging the Lakers to do. It was more about what he would do if he were in control of the team.
Paul then explained how he enjoys having Reaves around and how he has established a good relationship with the rising star.
“My guy Reggie, who is Austin’s agent, we talked,” Paul said. “We talked about it, and I’m like, ‘Look, Reggie, you’re my man. I want Austin to know this is not about Austin Reaves because I love the player, love the person. Two, I actually need him to help me with my golf game.’ I’m not trying to mess up anything with AR. … This was a hypothetical take. Not something that was going to happen. Secondly, I believe it’s very complementary to AR because he’s on a team with two future Hall of Famers, and he happens to be the ‘asset’. I’m not trying to mess up anything with AR.”
Rich Paul addresses his comments about trading Austin Reaves for Jaren Jackson Jr and Max Kellerman says Lakers need to trade Luka 👀
Rich: My guy Reggie who is Austin’s agent, we talked… we talked about it and Im like, look Reggie, you’re my man. I want Austin to know this is… pic.twitter.com/IDZRtNqV3D
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) January 14, 2026
The Lakers currently await Reaves’ return from injury, which is expected by the end of January.
In the meantime, Los Angeles will need to figure out how to consistently win games without one of its core players available.
