Austin Reaves’ Agent Releases Massive Warning to NBA
In a recent X post, Austin Reaves’ agent, Aaron Reilly, lit a spark under NBA Twitter:
“Next year is going to be a show. People have no idea what’s to come. Keep putting him in trade rumors for second string centers.”
Obviously, agents are paid to gas up their clients. But here’s the thing—Reilly has receipts. Before the season even tipped off, he warned the league about Reaves’ progression. And sure enough, he continues to get better year after year. So, is this just agent fluff, or is there substance behind the smoke?
Austin Reaves’ agent issues warning amid trade rumors 👀
“Next year is going to be a show. People really have no idea what’s to come. Keep putting him in trade rumors for second-string centers.”
(via @AMRAgency) pic.twitter.com/Tae69ZEg1f
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 26, 2025
Who Are These “Second String Centers”?
If Reilly is referencing specific rumors, who could these so-called “second string centers” be? One name that sticks out is Daniel Gafford. He’s talented, but let’s be real—he’s not moving the needle enough to swap a borderline All-Star like Reaves.
Where Does Reaves’ Value Truly Lie?
From a front office perspective, Reaves has one of the best contracts in the league. He’s making just under $14 million next year with a $14.8 million player option the season after. That’s an absolute steal for a guy flirting with All-Star level production.
Even better? It’s an expiring deal. That makes Reaves incredibly attractive to teams who want to experiment short-term without long-term commitment. If it works, great. If it doesn’t, he walks in free agency. High upside, low risk.
But that logic flips if you’re a rebuilding team. Trading real assets for a 27-year-old who might dip after one season doesn’t make sense unless you’re ready to win now. Reaves’ value is at its peak—if the Lakers are at all hesitant about keeping him, the smart play is to deal him before the season.
Should the Lakers Keep Reaves or Reassign His Role?
If the Lakers do choose to keep Reaves, I’ll keep beating the same drum: he should become a sixth man. I don’t believe he should be one of your top two ball handlers come playoff time. That’s not a knock—it’s just about maximizing his impact.
Our bench has lacked shot creation for years. Slide Reaves into that role, let him cook second units, and surround Luka with a true defensive guard in the starting lineup. It solves two problems at once.
The Wolves Series Exposed Some Old Wounds
Reaves has always had rumors swirling around him, but this offseason they’re louder—and for a reason. Against physical teams and elite point-of-attack defenders, his game tends to fade.
The Timberwolves series was a microcosm of that. Reaves shot just 41% from the field, attempted only seven free throws the entire series, and coughed up six turnovers in the final game. Minnesota’s physicality clearly rattled him.
Defensively? Same story. On switches, Reaves often looked lost. That’s not all on him—coaching played a role—but a backcourt of Luka and Reaves is a defensive disaster waiting to happen.
Final Word
I’m not saying Reaves doesn’t have value—he does. Tremendous value, actually. But that value is maximized either on the bench or in a smart trade. He’s not untouchable, and if the Lakers want to compete deep into the playoffs, they can’t afford to ignore the warning signs that keep popping up when the games get physical.
Aaron Reilly’s quote might’ve been dramatic, but it’s not far off. Reaves is a show—just maybe not the leading act.
