The Sacramento Kings have been linked to multiple players in trade rumors. Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors has often been mentioned as a possible candidate to land in Sacramento. Some rumors have suggested that Austin Reaves is also a possibility for the Kings. According to Jovan Buha, however, a Lakers-Kings Reaves trade may prove to be unlikely.
A fan asked about a trade rumor centered around Reaves as well as Keon Ellis and Keegan Murray. Buha responded to the question on his YouTube channel.
"I know this (rumor) has been going around, I have not heard anything about this," Buha said. "Based on my understanding, how LA values Austin, I think if they were to trade him it would have to be a player at least on his level or better. Ideally better, but, like, at least on his level... I like Keegan Murray, but to suggest Keegan Murray is anywhere close to Austin Reaves, I just don't think is true at all.
"I like those two pieces for the Lakers... I personally think that's selling pretty low on Austin and I think the Lakers would view that that way as well."
There are a number of reasons why the Lakers may be hesitant to trade Reaves to the Kings. Sacramento would have a difficult time finding enough value while meeting salary requirements to pull off a deal. Additionally, the idea of trading Reaves to a team in the same division likely wouldn't be preferred for LA.
Murray and Ellis would make sense for the Lakers, which is something Buha mentioned. However, Los Angeles would likely ask for more in a Reaves trade. The Lakers want to compete in 2025-26 -- which could be LeBron James' final season in the NBA -- so keeping Reaves around is probably the plan for now.
Reaves, a 27-year-old, enjoyed a breakout 2024-25 campaign. He averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per outing. Reaves also shot 46 percent from the field and 37.7 percent on his three-point attempts.
Murray, 24, averaged 12.4 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 44.4 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from deep last season. Ellis, who is 25, turned in per game averages of 8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.5 steals in addition to 48.9 percent field goal and 43.3 percent three-point shooting.
Both Murray and Ellis feature fairly high ceilings. The Kings would likely want to keep them for the long-term future. The idea of acquiring a star such as Reaves may also intrigue Sacramento, however. Buha, though, believes the Lakers would want more value in this potential trade scenario.
A deal seems to be unlikely. Anything can happen, of course, but Kings fans should not get their hopes up when it comes to the idea of Austin Reaves joining Sacramento.