The Los Angeles Lakers are making serious moves heading into the upcoming NBA season. However, with a expanding roster including LeBron James, questions are beginning to emerge about the starting lineup and player roles. One name at the center of these discussions is guard Austin Reaves, who is now being linked to the New York Knicks.
Reaves recently declined a four-year, $89.2 million extension offer from the Lakers, casting doubt on his long-term future with the team. As one of the Lakers’ most promising backcourt talents, his decision opens the door to speculation about where he might land next.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the Knicks could be a natural fit for Reaves. “I might look at a team like New York, that has Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, three-and-D types of guys,” Mannix said. “The Knicks under Mike Brown, looking to become more diverse offensively, maybe they’d be interested in something like that.”
Although Reaves has made it clear that he wants to spend his career in Los Angeles, there’s growing belief that he may decline his player option and test the free agent market next summer. If that happens, the Lakers could face a tough decision about whether to meet his rising value or seek a trade before losing him for nothing.
Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a made basket during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder
From the Knicks’ perspective, adding Reaves would provide a major boost to their offensive depth. With most of the scoring load currently falling on Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, bringing in Reaves would give New York another reliable scoring option and free up space for their stars to operate.
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A potential trade scenario could benefit both franchises. In one proposal, the Lakers would receive Mikal Bridges while the Knicks would acquire Austin Reaves and Maxi Kleber. For Los Angeles, Bridges would be a huge addition on the wing, bringing elite defense and reliable perimeter shooting to their starting five.
Bridges posted 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game last NBA season, while shooting 50% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc. He’s also on an expiring contract with a $24.9 million cap hit, which aligns with the Lakers’ goal of maintaining financial flexibility for the 2026 offseason.
Meanwhile, the Knicks would bolster their rotation with two strong contributors. Reaves, who averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists last season, brings shot creation, consistency, and clutch ability. Paired with Kleber’s versatility, New York would significantly strengthen its roster in both talent and depth.
