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Lakers predicted to trade Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, draft capital for Bucks' $175M former MVP

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Lakers predicted to trade Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, draft capital for Bucks' $175M former MVP originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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The Los Angeles Lakers’ top priority is to bring Austin Reaves back to Los Angeles, and that is no secret. However, there have been some rumblings that it could be a bit more complicated than expected.

During the season, Reaves was adamant that he wanted to do whatever it took to remain with the Lakers. However, at the end of the year, his final comments on his future suggested a slightly less certain tone.

“I try not to think about it. Honestly. I've said it a million times. I want to be in L.A. I love it," Reaves told ESPN. "Even though the other extension was turned down, that doesn't mean that I'm trying to go get a f---ing gigantic number that don't make sense. I want to be here, I want to win. I want to do everything that can help this organization be better. So I don't try to think about those things."

It turns out that, according to the LA Times’ Brad Turner, Reaves may not be willing to give the Lakers a discount.

“But based on what I understand, what I keep hearing: Austin wants the max. Is he willing to give the Lakers a hometown deal? I'm not so sure about that. Maybe he does, but maybe his reps don't want that,” Turner said.

If the Lakers have a difficult time retaining him, they could explore a sign-and-trade. In a proposed deal from Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, Reaves is sent to the Milwaukee Bucks, while Giannis Antetokounmpo heads to Los Angeles.

“Los Angeles Lakers receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, $12.4 million trade exception, $4.2 million trade exception. Milwaukee Bucks receive: Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Dalton Knecht, Nick Smith Jr., 2031 first-rounder, 2032 protected first-round swap,” Pincus wrote.

This would be a massive haul for Milwaukee, but for the Lakers, it would be a franchise-altering move. LA would be able to build around Luka Doncic and Antetokounmpo, which would be a more seamless fit than trying to construct a roster around Doncic and Reaves.

Antetokounmpo is on a $175 million deal, which would ultimately be more expensive than Reaves’ next contract. The Lakers would also be adding a true rim-running superstar next to Doncic. And if LeBron James returns, it would create a powerful big three. If Reaves is going to play hardball, there are plenty of ways for the Lakers to pivot.

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