With the NBA Draft approaching next month and free agency following shortly after, trade rumors are escalating quickly through the league’s channels. Here are some notable updates.
Lakers Likely to Retain Austin Reaves
Rob Pelinka faces a crucial offseason ahead; he needs to enhance the roster surrounding Luka Doncic and LeBron James. A priority is acquiring a rim-protecting center, but trade assets are limited.
Austin Reaves is highly sought after, having averaged 20.2 points and 5.8 rebounds last season, shooting 37.7% from beyond the arc, and is on a bargain deal at $13.9 million for the next season. Nevertheless, the Lakers value Reaves as a third option and would require a significant return to let him go.
“The team is not interested in trading Reaves for anything less than a top-tier big man, and currently, there aren’t many available, with Nic Claxton of Brooklyn and Daniel Gafford of Dallas being the most frequently mentioned options,” noted Dan Woike in the Los Angeles Times.
LaMelo Ball Heading West?
During his appearance on the What an Experience podcast, Lonzo Ball hinted that:
“I lowkey got Dylan Harper going to the Hornets and I got Melo going to the Clips.”
However, that scenario seems unlikely. Harper is projected to be a top pick, while the Hornets are sitting at No. 4. If the Spurs manage to trade that pick, they would likely take Harper. Similarly, LaMelo going to the Clippers doesn’t align with their future plans to restructure after the Kawhi Leonard and James Harden era. Ball’s substantial contract could complicate matters, as he is not viewed as a player who significantly contributes to winning due to defensive shortcomings.
Other Notable Rumors
• With Boston likely looking to reduce payroll, teams in contention are expected to show interest in Jrue Holiday, a high-caliber defensive guard who has proven essential for championship teams like the Bucks and Celtics. Watch for the Rockets and Spurs to possibly engage.
• Sam Amick of The Athletic shared insights regarding a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade during his appearance on The Ringer NBA Podcast, saying:
“Jon Horst will not hold back; he’s been given the team’s support and is focused on ensuring the Bucks remain competitive, potentially disregarding Giannis’ preferences if necessary.”
• On the Antetokounmpo front, rumors suggest that the Warriors are likely out of the running for a trade unless Giannis explicitly requests a move there. The Warriors recognize they may not compete well with teams like Houston and San Antonio in a bidding war and are only interested in a favorable deal.
• Conversations surrounding Antetokounmpo remain subdued as everyone awaits his decision. The Bucks won’t pursue a trade unless he asks to leave, which hasn’t happened yet. Giannis has historically valued loyalty and winning, yet those priorities may be at odds, leaving the final decision up to him.
