The Lakers need a center – it’s as clear as day. The Anthony Davis-shaped hole in their defense is too apparent for things to go as planned. Yes, they replaced LeBron James’ image with Luka Doncic, who can carry the mantle for the next decade or so. But to win that elusive 18th championship ring, they have to plug the holes that leak. So, who could be on the market for JJ Redick and Rob Pelinka?
Well, the latest rumor to hit the market is regarding Kristaps Porzingis. And if the trade goes through, Austin Reaves could still be a Laker for years to come.
Losing 4-2 to the Knicks in the conference semifinals really exposed the Celtics’ vulnerabilities. With Jayson Tatum out for the foreseeable future, Joe Mazzulla will look to the market to aid the $500 million squad. Porzingis hasn’t had the heavenly playoffs he’d have expected to have. He’s been linked with a move away for a while now, amidst health and fitness concerns.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report drafted a wild proposal that could see the 7’2 big man head to the Showtime. “The Los Angeles Lakers just need a real center. Porzingis provides shot blocking, floor spacing and the occasional post-up. And he’d be a dramatic upgrade over Jaxson Hayes,” he wrote. The Celtics won’t have the financial flexibility with KP’s deal expiring in 2025/26. But the deal will involve Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and first-round pick swaps for 2030 and 2032. The additions of Rui Hachimura and indispensable draft assets will help the squad for years to come.
Feb 20, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis before a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
“For Boston, this one isn’t as much about financial flexibility. Porzingis’ deal expires after 2025-26, but draft assets are valuable. And Rui Hachimura would give them a slightly younger forward than KP, who could theoretically fit alongside Tatum in positionless forward combinations (assuming the Celtics were to sign him beyond this season),” wrote Bailey.
KP’s $30.7 million contract nearly matches Rui’s $18 million and Kleber’s $11 million. Lakers had already specified that Austin Reaves only sees the door if they get a big man in for the guard. This proposal could see both Reaves and KP form a solid core with Luka Doncic and LeBron James. But Reaves’ situation still hangs in the balance, regardless of the trade idea Andy Bailey proposed.
Austin Reaves’s situation at the Lakers still uncertain
AR is just one of the many stars who could be on the move this season. Due to the Lakers being in the second apron, they have to bring in lesser salary than they can let out. It really puts them in a tricky situation. Reaves is currently on a 4-year, $53,827,872 contract, and is reportedly demanding more. That, and many other factors, leads Bill Simmons to believe that AR-15 could be on the move this off-season as well.
“When Reaves gets traded this summer — and he will get traded — the stuff they get back for him is going to make it seem even worse [the Mavericks] didn’t get him in the [Luka Doncic trade],” Simmons said on The Bill Simmons Podcast.
Reaves is also due for a pay raise. But here is where that gets tricky. LA cannot afford to give him with the Broncic pair owed nearly $100 million total in 2025-2026. The good thing is that Austin Reaves will be in demand. It won’t take much to find a suitor for the guard.
Dec 25, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) is interviewed after defeating the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Austin Reaves’ likely departure will be a hard pill to swallow for the Showtime fans. The player adored in the City of Angels, and they’d be willing to give up their left arm to keep him at the Lakers. But if Kristaps Porzingis ends up coming for Hachimura and Kleber, they won’t have to worry at all. Does this deal seem too good to be true?
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