Lakers’ Austin Reaves Sounds Off on Fans: ‘I’m Not Going to Detroit’

Austin Reaves is a name to keep an eye on as a possible focal point in any trade, especially with trade winds swirling the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he has no interest in visiting the Detroit Pistons.

Or, to hear the youthful phenomenon say.

A fan recently said to Austin Reaves at a golf event, “We need you on the Pistons, Austin.”

In response, Reaves said, “I’m not going to Detroit.”

Reaves faced taunts from spectators during the Good Good Midwest Open on his summertime decision to sign with the Pistons. “Austin, we need you on the Pistons,” a supporter said. With a “I’m not going to Detroit,” Reaves answered.

The guard, 26, recently concluded his third season with the Lakers. In 82 games with Los Angeles, Reaves averaged 15.9 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.3 rebounds.

However, practically everyone is available with the proper trade, as has always been the case with the clubs led by LeBron James.

Reaves’ Salary is Team-Friendly, But Not Substantial

Los Angeles has a pay issue while trying to make Reaves the star of a big-budget project.

In July 2023, the third-year guard agreed to a four-year contract deal for $56 million. That comes to a yearly average of $14 million.

Mitchell Robinson, Jordan Clarkson, Onyeka Okungwu, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Onyeka Okungwu are players that are paid similarly.

Thus, to pull off a big acquisition, the Lakers would need to figure out some inventive methods to match wages.

Rui Hachimura is expected to earn $17 million, while D’Angelo Russell is expected to earn $18.6 million in 2024–2025. $36.9 million is the total of the two salaries plus Reaves’s.

That would put Los Angeles within striking distance of a star acquisition. But do they have enough assets to entice another team?

Lakers Proposal Sends Reaves for Donovan Mitchell

Hughes assembled a Lakers deal for Donovan Mitchell, an All-Star player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, in a June 11 piece that parodied blockbuster moves. The focal point is Reaves.

Lakers are given Mitchell

Hachimura, Reaves, Gabe Vincent, and three first-round selections (2024, 2029, 2031) are acquired by the Cavaliers.

Hughes acknowledges that the offer isn’t the strongest. But it may make sense for Cleveland, if the Cavaliers retool.

Hughes observed, “The departing players here, led by Reaves, won’t bowl the Cavs over.” All things considered, having three first-round picks is not insignificant, and both Reaves and Hachimura may start next to Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen if Cleveland doesn’t trade Allen in a different transaction.In addition, the Lakers may include up to five future second-round picks and two first-round trades.