The Los Angeles Lakers maintained their long-rumored stance in relation to Austin Reaves’ trade.
Throughout the season, Reaves has remained virtually untouchable in trade negotiations despite all of the trade rumors circling the team. Although that has been the Lakers’ position, a recent report indicates that they are sticking with it.
The Lakers were unwilling to part with Reaves in a trade for Dejounte Murray, the star player for the Atlanta Hawks, despite their interest in him.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype wrote on January 18 that “the Lakers have been arguably the team most linked to Murray due to his representation at Klutch Sports, the agency for various Lakers on the current team.” “League sources said that during trade talks involving Murray, the Hawks coveted Lakers guard Austin Reaves but were turned down by Los Angeles.
This past offseason, Reaves, 25, re-signed for a four-year, $53.8 million contract.
With 15.1 points, 5.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game this season, he is averaging career-highs. This year, he is only shooting 35.1% from beyond the arc. But in the last four games, he has successfully completed 60% of his deep looks.
Reaves started the first game of the season. However, during the team’s slump, he had defensive issues, so head coach Darvin Ham benched him.
Since Ham returned to the starting lineup from the beginning, the Lakers have gone 2-0.
Lakers Might Find It Difficult to Pay the Hawks What They Want.
Murray is reportedly attracting two first-round picks from the Hawks, according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer on January 15. The Hawks do not want to carry over any salary after this season, according to Scotto, which is where a Lakers trade would become more difficult.
Los Angeles can trade selections in 2030 and can use its first-round pick from 2029. They can also trade their 2031 first-round selection if they hold out until the offseason, and more precisely, draft night.
Prior to the trade deadline on February 8, their options are more constrained.
“Guard D’Angelo Russell would probably be a part of any framework for a Murray trade to the Lakers,” Scotto wrote. But in the process, that would require Russell to be traded to a third Atlanta team.
