Potential Austin Reaves Trade to Spurs Could Shift Future for Both Franchises, Offering Win-Now Help and Long-Term Flexibility
The NBA offseason continues to swirl with rumors, and one of the most intriguing potential moves now involves Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves. According to multiple sources close to both teams, a deal that would send Reaves to the San Antonio Spurs is gaining traction, with talks centering around a package that could significantly alter the trajectories of both franchises. While no agreement has been finalized, insiders suggest discussions have reached an advanced stage, and both sides appear motivated to explore the framework of a trade that meets their respective long-term goals.
For the Spurs, acquiring Reaves would represent a notable shift in strategy. The franchise has spent the past few years accumulating draft picks, developing young talent, and positioning itself for the future. But with generational center Victor Wembanyama quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s rising forces, the timeline in San Antonio appears to be accelerating. Team executives have reportedly grown increasingly convinced that surrounding Wembanyama with experienced, high-IQ players—particularly in the backcourt—is the key to unleashing his full potential and moving the Spurs into legitimate playoff contention sooner rather than later.
Enter Austin Reaves. The 26-year-old guard has blossomed into a dependable two-way contributor for the Lakers since arriving as an undrafted free agent in 2021. Known for his crafty offensive game, sharp instincts, and competitive spirit, Reaves quickly won over teammates, coaches, and fans alike in Los Angeles. He’s shown the ability to handle playmaking duties, knock down perimeter shots, and defend multiple positions—all while bringing a certain toughness and composure that belies his relative inexperience.
Reaves’ role expanded significantly during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, and he was a key piece in the Lakers’ deep playoff run in 2024, often closing games alongside stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His chemistry with both players and his fearless approach in clutch situations turned him into a fan favorite and a symbol of the Lakers’ gritty, team-first culture. But with the team now retooling around newly re-signed superstar Luka Dončić and the ever-present financial and roster pressures of building a championship contender, Reaves has emerged as one of the few high-value trade assets that could realistically be moved.
San Antonio’s interest in Reaves is rooted in both fit and function. As a guard who can shoot, pass, and defend, he represents the kind of stabilizing presence the Spurs have lacked in recent seasons. Pairing Reaves with Wembanyama and rising talents like Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and rookie Stephon Castle could fast-track the Spurs’ evolution from a rebuilding team to a playoff contender. More importantly, Reaves’ basketball IQ and unselfish playing style align perfectly with head coach Gregg Popovich’s system, which values ball movement, spacing, and defensive discipline.
Sources indicate that San Antonio is willing to include a combination of young players and future draft capital to make the deal happen. Names like Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley, and 2024 first-round pick Harrison Ingram have surfaced in discussions, along with at least one future first-round draft pick. The Spurs have an impressive war chest of picks, including multiple future firsts from previous trades, which gives them flexibility to make aggressive offers without compromising their long-term outlook.
For the Lakers, the decision to move Reaves would not be made lightly. He’s been one of the few consistent contributors on a team that has seen frequent roster turnover in recent years. However, with Luka Dončić now serving as the franchise cornerstone and the need to retool around him and Anthony Davis in a more structured and financially sustainable way, the front office is reportedly open to creative trades that bring back younger assets and future flexibility. Reaves’ current contract—four years, $54 million—is viewed as a bargain in league circles, which increases his trade value but also makes replacing his production more difficult.
Still, the Lakers may feel that now is the right time to sell high on Reaves. If they believe that the pairing of Dončić and Davis requires different stylistic fits in the backcourt—perhaps players with more size, athleticism, or defensive versatility—then moving Reaves for a combination of youth and future picks could be a smart long-term play. It could also free up minutes and touches for other guards on the roster, such as Max Christie or incoming rookie Jamal Shead, while giving the team more assets to use in potential future trades.
There’s also a financial dimension to consider. With Dončić’s new deal kicking in, Anthony Davis still on a max contract, and the team potentially looking to add another high-impact veteran in the next year or two, the Lakers need to be strategic about salary cap management. Reaves’ deal, while team-friendly now, becomes more expensive relative to the cap if the team continues adding star-level contracts. Trading him for cheaper rookie-scale deals and draft picks could give the Lakers the breathing room they need to remain agile in the coming seasons.
From Reaves’ perspective, a move to San Antonio could present both challenges and opportunities. He would be leaving the bright lights of Los Angeles and the championship expectations that come with wearing the Lakers jersey, but he’d also be joining a young, hungry team where he could play a central role in shaping the next chapter. The chance to play alongside Wembanyama and under a Hall of Fame coach like Popovich could accelerate his development and give him a platform to expand his game even further. In a less crowded offensive environment, Reaves might find more opportunities to be a primary ball-handler and decision-maker.
Meanwhile, the Spurs see in Reaves a player who not only fits their needs but also aligns with their culture. He’s tough, coachable, and has already proven himself on big stages. Popovich has always valued players who play the right way—who prioritize the team, defend hard, and make smart decisions—and Reaves checks all those boxes. In many ways, he’s the kind of player San Antonio used to routinely develop during their dynastic run in the 2000s and 2010s. Now, instead of grooming him, they’d be acquiring him ready-made, with playoff experience and the maturity to help guide a young locker room.
The potential deal also speaks to the evolution of both franchises. The Lakers, traditionally known for chasing stars, now find themselves at an inflection point—trying to strike a balance between winning now and planning for the future in a league dominated by parity and player movement. The Spurs, long the model of patient, internal development, appear ready to take a calculated risk and shift into win-now mode while Wembanyama is still on a rookie-scale contract. Both teams are operating from a position of strength, which is why this trade feels like more than idle speculation.
If completed, this trade would mark a rare win-win scenario. The Spurs would get a proven, versatile guard to complement their franchise cornerstone. The Lakers would receive valuable assets that could either be developed or used in future deals. And Austin Reaves, who has earned respect around the league for his work ethic and resilience, would get a chance to take the next step in his career with a team on the rise.
Of course, there are risks on both sides. For the Lakers, losing Reaves could leave a void in terms of chemistry, leadership, and continuity. For the Spurs, giving up picks and young players is always a gamble, especially if the roster doesn’t gel immediately. But sometimes, progress requires bold moves. And if both sides are as serious as insiders believe, this could be the bold move that propels two very different franchises into the next phase of their evolution.
The coming days will be critical. As training camps near and rosters begin to solidify, the pressure to finalize deals like this one increases. For now, Austin Reaves remains a Laker. But if the winds of change continue to blow through Los Angeles and San Antonio, it may not be for much longer. One thing is certain: the outcome of this potential trade will have ripple effects far beyond just the box score. It could reshape the future of two iconic franchises—and change the course of a rising star’s career.
