Luka Dealt to Lakers: Nico Harrison is a Basketball Terrorist

[omahen]

Reaves is useless with Luka& LeBron, they will trade him for sure.

Reaves is very, very good. He gives me a lot of Brunson vibe. Plays with a huge chip on his shoulder and is improving every season. In games where LeBron (before Luka trade) was out, he was playing at arguably all star level. Game last night against Denver is another example. While it is true he can be expendable with Luka and LeBron, it is reasonable to expect LeBron will not be around forever. The key question is, if Reaves can be a long-term running star-mate for Luka that will be needed after LeBron eventually (probably, unless he is a robot) declines or retires. This is the key question going forward. If Luka and Reaves are the star duo, you build everything else around them. If Reaves is not that, you need to attract another star and he might be expendable. 

If Reaves is only considered to be good, but not elite offensive force, while being limited on defense, he will unfortunately have only limited value. His best position would be as second or third best player on a team where the star is also a good defender. While he is a good scorer, he is not really that great of a facilitator. Tyler Herro is a great comparison - Miami was dangling him in trades for years, but no team really valued his scoring ability too highly.

Reaves would look great next to a player like Giannis, for example. Of course Milwaukee has Lillard and nothing interesting to offer. I could also see him as a great fit on Toronto, as he is likely better than Quickley. He would be a great CJ McCollum replacement on Pels (Herb Jones and assets would be the target), but that team desperately needs more defense. 

Orlando would probably need a player like him and they are desperate for shooting. But, I would not be really enthusiastic about anything they have to offer. Suggs is an interesting player, although overpriced with his new contract - his declinging deal does have some value. Reaves, Vincent and Maxi for Suggs could be an interesting concept. Orlando needs more offense and has plenty of defense to cover for Reaves limitations. Suggs is an elite point of attack defender Lakers need. 

Reaves could actually also be interesting for Mavs. Mavs do have a center (either Lively or Gafford) that Lakers need. Although, I would assume this option would be included in the Luka deal, if there was any real interest on both sides.