LA Lakers will trade Austin Reaves for two players only, but it is a near-impossible task

LA Lakers will only trade Austin Reaves for superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic

One inside source told Lakers Daily that Austin Reaves will only be traded by the Los Angeles Lakers if a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Nikola Jokic miraculously becomes available.

The source went on to add that neither player is going to get traded this season, despite the rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks.

“The Lakers are only going to trade Austin for Giannis or Jokic. And neither of those guys is getting traded this season.”

Given that Reaves is in the final year of what is currently one of the best contracts in the NBA, the Lakers are unlikely to give that up to go star-chasing again.

Furthermore, Reaves has become an integral piece for the team, not to mention a fan favorite. So, a trade sending away their second-best player right now would be foolish.

Austin Reaves set for massive payday next season

As stated above, Austin Reaves becomes an unrestricted free agent next season. Given his tenure with the LA Lakers, and how he is playing this season, Reaves could be eligible for a massive contract.

Reaves is currently averaging 30.3 points, 9.0 assists, and 5.1 rebounds. These are All-Star numbers, and if Reaves makes an All-Star and All-NBA team, he could be eligible for a max contract.

According to Dave McMenamin, Reaves is eligible to sign a five-year, $241 million contract with the LA Lakers next summer, which would net him an annual salary of about $48.25 million.

However, Reaves is reportedly not looking to squeeze the Lakers for every dollar and prioritizes being with the team more.

“I try not to think about it. Honestly. I’ve said it a million times. I want to be in L.A. I love it. Even though the other extension was turned down, that doesn’t mean that I’m trying to go get a f—— gigantic number that don’t make sense.

“I want to be here, I want to win. I want to do everything that can help this organization be better. So I don’t try to think about those things.”

Given the money Reaves is set to make, there is concern about LeBron James’ future with the team, given the $52.6 million salary he earns right now.

If the Lakers find success this season, perhaps LeBron can take a pay cut to help Reaves while still remaining with the Lakers.