NBA Trade Proposal Sends $53 Million Lakers Star to Spurs
With free agency winding down and teams getting a clearer picture of their rosters for the 2025-26 season, the NBA is in a quieter phase—but blockbuster trades are still on the table. The biggest move so far has been Kevin Durant’s trade from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets, with the San Antonio Spurs being one of the teams that missed out on Durant despite significant interest. 
However, the Spurs may now turn their attention elsewhere in search of their next key player.
While some trade scenarios could help the Spurs build a championship-contending team around Victor Wembanyama sooner rather than later, there may also be an opportunity to land a proven talent while still focusing on the future.
Lakers Trade Austin Reaves to Spurs in Bold Proposal
A bold trade suggestion from Mark Morales-Smith of Fantasy Sports on SI would see Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves heading to the San Antonio Spurs, but it would come at a significant cost.
San Antonio Spurs Receive:
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Austin Reaves
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Gabe Vincent
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Jarred Vanderbilt
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Maxi Kleber
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Second-round pick
Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
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Devin Vassell
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Stephon Castle
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Jeremy Sochan
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First-round pick
Reaves, 27, had a breakout season with the Lakers, averaging 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game as their third option. However, this trade could be seen as a risky move for the Spurs, who would likely be reluctant to part with key young players like Stephon Castle.
Why the Spurs Might Reject This Trade
Castle, 20, recently won NBA Rookie of the Year honors, averaging 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, showcasing his potential as a two-way player and a future cornerstone for the Spurs. Trading him for Reaves straight-up would be a tough decision, and throwing in Vassell and Sochan would make the deal even more unappealing.
San Antonio is unlikely to trade away Castle unless it’s for a major upgrade, such as in a package for a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jaylen Brown. The last thing the Spurs would want is to strengthen the Lakers by giving them more depth.
If the Spurs did go through with this trade, their new starting lineup would include De’Aaron Fox, Austin Reaves, Keldon Johnson, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Victor Wembanyama. While their bench would feature players like Dylan Harper, Luke Kornet, Carter Bryant, Gabe Vincent, and Harrison Barnes, the overall result could potentially weaken the team.
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