Lakers three-team Austin Reaves trade pitch lands $195 million Pelicans trio

Even if the Los Angeles Lakers re-sign Austin Reaves this summer (assuming he opts out of his $14.9 million player option), there’s no guarantee he’ll continue his career with Los Angeles. 

If an ideal sign-and-trade scenario presents itself, the Lakers could find themselves swapping Reaves for assets that would help fill the franchise’s notable needs. According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, there’s a world where Los Angeles could use Reaves to help them acquire the Pelicans’ talented $195 million via a three-team trade.

“You’d essentially be trading Austin and five first-round picks if the Lakers are trading the 2026 25 pick as well,” Buha said Friday. “So Austin and five first-round picks for Onyeka Okongwu (Atlanta Hawks), Trey Murphy (Pelicans), Herb Jones (Pelicans), Yves Missi (Pelicans). That’s a lot of picks.”

“I would consider it. “It’s a lot of draft capital, but you are also getting four players, and then you are turning one player into four… I would rather have those four guys than Austin … But it’s coming out of a massive cost with your five first-round draft picks.”

Murphy is the obvious headliner in Buha’s hypothetical trade idea, as the 25-year-old is an emerging two-way star who’s on track to earn his first All-Star nod in 2026-27 (he averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game this season, which likely put him in All-Star consideration). 

While not as well-rounded, Jones is a solidified defensive stud who frequently forces opponents out of their comfort zone and takes advantage of telegraphed moves/passes (1.6 steals per game).

Missi is still a work in progress, but he’s proven he can be a durable big man who can protect the rim better than most (1.5 blocks per game), and be effective as a hard roller in ball-screen situations. 

It also wouldn’t hurt to have Okongwu, a 15.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game Hawks contributor who’s starting to come into his own, as another viable frontcourt option to turn to.

As Buha noted, surrendering five first-round picks would be challenging for the Lakers, but the hefty return could make it worth their while.

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