Trade rumors have characterized Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves as off-limits, and for the most part, that is still the case.
In just his third season and his first on a four-year, $53.8 million contract, Reaves, 25, is a homegrown talent. According to Lakers governor Jeanie Buss herself, he has demonstrated effectiveness in a variety of roles and has the favor of ownership. Reaves isn’t invulnerable, though.
On January 26, Jovan Buha of The Athletic wrote, “The longer answer is more nuanced.” The Lakers would include him in trades to acquire certain players. Reaves would be moved if they could acquire multiple high-level starters in a larger trade, or a legitimate third star to complement [Lebron] James and [Anthony] Davis, such as Utah All-Star Lauri Markannen.
Reigning as the Most Improved Player, 26-year-old Markkanen recently finished his first All-Star season during his debut season with the Utah Jazz. Markkanen started his career with the Bulls before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was formerly a lottery selection of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With a career-high 64.2% true shooting percentage, which includes a career-high 39.4% clip on 8.0 three-pointers made per game, the 7-foot Markkanen is averaging 23.8 points.
Currently, he is three years into a four-year, $67.5 million deal. Additionally, the Jazz are only 23-23 this season, and Markkanen has been linked to trade rumors, despite the fact that the second year of the contract is only partially guaranteed for the 2024–25 campaign.
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