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The Los Angeles Lakers may have pulled off the greatest trade of all time when they acquired Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and one first-round choice. Not only have they given LeBron James a reason to feel revitalized by providing an excellent on-ball alternative, but they have also extended the team's timeline while retaining assets to build out their future contending core.
Also Read | 'He wasn't happy': Lakers Boss Jeanie Buss Opens Up On Letting Anthony Davis Go In Exchange For Luka Doncic
Lakers Planning to Trade Austin Reaves
Bleacher Report suggests that the Lakers can part with Austin Reaves, but land two rotational players like Daniel Gafford and Klay Thompson. The trade setup could include the transfer of Austin Reaves, and Jarred Vanderbilt to Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Klay Thompson, and Daniel Gafford.
This is an intriguing trade, however it's difficult to argue that the Lakers are giving up more value here. Reaves, as an on-ball creator, is a very valuable asset on a cost-controlled contract, but he would perfectly meet the Mavericks' needs while bringing back a similarly perfect-fitting center to maximize Doncic.
Even if the Lakers benefit from this trade, the Mavericks clearly receive more bang for their buck. It all starts with Austin Reaves, who has shown to be the Lakers' first option when needed.
He'd be the ideal combo guard to lead the Mavericks next season while Kyrie Irving recovers, with Reaves averaging 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists this season.
Jarred Vanderbilt, a multi-positional switchable defender, fits the Mavericks' defensive philosophy nicely, providing a capable frontcourt backup for both Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II in Gafford's absence going ahead.
He is more defensively versatile than Gafford but cannot match his offensive efficiency, but if the Mavericks think Lively continues to grow, they will be content with this trade-off.
Landing Reaves on the market is likely only if the returning player is a star or if the transaction includes many draft assets. Instead, the Mavericks are hoping that satisfying two excellent needs for the Lakers will be enough to close this deal.
Klay Thompson's contract is good for two more seasons, but at $15 million a season, it may not be ideal for the Mavericks. The team prefers cost-controlled long-term contracts, so acquiring Jarred Vanderbilt, who is owed $48 million and has four years remaining on his contract, makes sense. Reaves' contract is worth $41 million and has three years left, so these terms are ideal for the franchise.
