The Pistons seem keen to make smaller upgrades at the trade deadline, but a huge move for Austin Reaves can secure their long-term backcourt. Reaves has broken out as a star this season for the Lakers but his tricky contract situation could make him available for trade. If the Pistons can pair him with Cade Cunningham and their other core pieces, they will have a deadly foundation for the future.
Austin Reaves can be Cade’s ideal costar
Reaves has been dominant on the court this season. He’s averaging 26 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists per game - a well-rounded stat line matched by only a select few, including Cade, across the league. Bringing in that level of production alongside Cade can turn the Pistons into a championship contender for the foreseeable future.
The Lakers have been disappointing despite Reaves’ breakout performances. They’ve had multiple injuries to their big 3 of Reaves, Luka Doncic and LeBron James. But the core has also conflicted in play style because of their mutual lack of defense.
Reaves would be a much better fit in Detroit, where his defensive shortcomings would be covered by other Pistons. And he would be fully unleashed on offense due to Cade’s unselfish play and the Pistons’ need for more shooting and ball handling.
Arguably the best part of Reaves’ game is his offensive versatility. He’s always been a good shooter (37% from three in his career) who thrives off the ball. But his on-ball ability to carry the offense has improved leaps and bounds in the last couple seasons as well.
It would be a perfect fit on the Pistons because he can get open looks with Cade and then run the offense without him. The Pistons have been searching for a player to fill this role for years, but never found anyone with nearly the talent level of Reaves.
Of course, the Lakers will be hard-pressed to give up a 27-year-old on the rise with clear All-Star potential. But his poor fit next to Luka and LeBron, as well as an impending pay raise, could change their mind. Reaves is currently under contract for just $14 million this season with a player option next season for about $15 million. Most likely, he will enter the market as an unrestricted free agent next summer unless the Lakers agree to a much bigger contract extension.
The Pistons have much more financial flexibility and a perfect ecosystem for Reaves. Ironically, Austin Reaves could find the most success in his NBA career with the team he purposely avoided during the 2021 Draft. Prying him from Los Angeles would cost a lot, but the potential payoff is huge for the Pistons.