Austin Reaves’ expected bounce could open the door for an eventual trade decision

Austin Reaves‘ future with the Los Angeles Lakers could be in question as he could test free agency for a big contract in the 2026 offseason.Which opens the way for a multitude of multi-team interaction scenarios.

Reaves has been with the Lakers since 2021, working his way through the ranks before finally settling in as one of the team’s best players alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James. His ability to score goals with great efficiency in addition to providing solid play has allowed him to gain recognition in the rotation.

However, his growth as a star means he will demand a big contract in free agency. He is in the third year of a four-year, $56 million deal, as a fourth player option he can accept or decline. If he believes he can get a better contract elsewhere, he can test the waters as soon as the 2026 offseason.

NBA insider Brett Siegel discussed the situation with Reaves’ contract during the December 30 episode of Clutch Scoops. While he believes the team won’t trade the star quarterback, he thinks it will represent a tough decision the front office has to make regarding its future with Reaves.

“Reaves is just a very interesting scenario that comes up all the time when we talk to rival teams around the league. It’s hard to imagine the Lakers trading him, but he’s likely to opt out and enter free agency as one of the better guys on the market. Teams are going to chase him. They’re going to go after him with max offers. So are the Lakers going to give him a max number, are the Lakers going to want to give him full double digits? LA long-term or are they going to pull Jalen Brunson to go be a star somewhere else?Siegel said at 29:05.

“So are the Lakers going to trade Reaves? I really don’t think they will and we haven’t heard anything developing on that front about them going behind the scenes and seeing what they can get for Reaves, but if they’re hesitant to offer him a max deal and they’re worried he might look at other offers in the offseason, I think you’ve got to do everything you can do to see what you can do.”

What’s next for Austin Reaves, Lakers

It’s clear that the Lakers will be busy in the 2026 or 2027 offseason with Austin Reaves. But until then, they can enjoy his elite offensive services throughout the 2025-26 campaign.

Los Angeles has a 20-10 record on the season, holding fifth place in the Western Conference standings. They are 0.5 games above the Minnesota Timberwolves and two games above the Phoenix Suns while tied with the Houston Rockets for the fourth seed.

The Lakers are ready to prepare for their upcoming match, as they are at home. They host the Detroit Pistons on December 30th at 10:30pm ET.