From Will Lee
The Los Angeles Lakers should SERIOUSLY consider trading Austin Reaves before the trade deadline this season. And here's the logic behind my thoughts.
A. He is a Unrestricted Free Agent after this season who will be looking for a salary north of 45 million per season. And the Lakers will once again be cash strapped between two Max players (Luka/Reaves) and they run the risk of losing him for NOTHING.
B. Th CAUTIONARY TALE of BRADLEY BEAL
Austin Reaves age 27 is a very good player similarly to Bradley Beal age 27 who was coming off two back to back 30+ seasons. When he signed a 5 year 241 million contract just 3 seasons ago. He now averaging 8ppg (Let that sink in)
C. Rob Pelinka should take advantage of the poor management groups that run the Wizards * Nets * Pelicans who are perennial bottom feeders. Who will be drafting high in this upcoming draft which is LOADED.
D. The 2026 NBA Draft has the potential to mention as one of the ALL-TIME great draft classes. So Lakers Nation may be upset with losing an opportunity to possibly win this year but who are we kidding (The OKC Thunder are the Class of the NBA) and will be for while. So increasing your chances to draft a GENERATIONAL TALENT like Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, Caleb Wilson, Koa Peat, Mikel Brown Jr is worth it and saves them MILLIONS in cap room as its highly unlikely Lebron will be back at a number remotely even close to what he's being paid now.
E. Cap Room and Flexibility is VITALLY important for the Summer of 2027 with players like Giannis Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis, Steph Curry, Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, Karl Anthony Towns all being either UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS or have Player Options.
Though I work with many of these NBA players this post is in no way a reflection of their thoughts nor do I represent or have any affiliation with any NBA franchise. These are simply my thoughts.