Predicted that the Lakers will part ways with Reeves and make bold trades with the Eastern Conference Raptors

According to reports from Vishvisha Kumar, a contributor to US sports media F/W. Although the Lakers have been saying “never interested in trading Reeves,” the Lakers are once again linked to trade speculation involving their breakthrough defender. According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, management still sees Reeves as a long-term component, but pressure around James and Doncic to improve the roster is starting to push the conversation into unsettling areas. As Woike pointed out, “There are doubters around the NBA, mainly because the Lakers are under pressure to actively upgrade their roster.

This pressure has spawned the new assumption of Bleacher Report's Barkley, who proposed a destination for Reeves: the Raptors. The specific plan is:

Raptors get: Reeves, Hachimura

Lakers get: Barrett, Adebaghi, 2027 Raptors first-round draft pick

Reeves, 27, averaged 20.2 points and 5.8 games this season Assisted, he performed like an All-Star on the Edge while earning money from role players. His value is at an all-time high, especially given his contract is guaranteed only one year left. Reeves is expected to test free agents in 2026 after rejecting a renewal offer from the Lakers this offseason — although many think he will eventually re-sign with the team as a value of up to 2.46 A $5-year contract could also be on the table.

In pursuit of high salaries, coupled with his imperfect partner with Doncic on the court, both prefer the ball in their hands and brings problems on defense, which has some in the league wondering if the Lakers will now sell at high prices to better balance the roster. Still, it's hard to imagine Los Angeles pulling the trigger for this particular deal. Barrett, while talented, has been trying to maintain stability, and while Agbaji brings some advantages as a 3D wing, neither meets the clear upgrade criteria. 2027 The first round pick of the year sweetened the pot a little bit, but it was far from the output and upside space that Reeves now offers.

From a Toronto perspective, the move is bold but could change the franchise. Reeves meets several conditions: outside scoring, organizing offense, shooting, and the ability to grow with the young core. Partnering with Barnes, Quickley and Ingram, Reeves can make the Raptors one of the most promising young offensive units in the Eastern Conference. However, even if Reeves makes sense for basketball in Toronto, the Lakers are unlikely to agree to such a deal unless there is a like Star players like Barnes or Ingram are involved. That's not the case here.

Ultimately, Reeves might be a trade chip if the Lakers need to make a big move by next year's deadline, but the proposal feels like a low-key return. Los Angeles attaches great importance to Reeves, not only because of his performance, but also because of his cooperation with LeBron and Luca. Unless there are qualified stars available, the Lakers will bet on re-signing Reeves next offseason and continuing to build around him instead of trading him for a few cents.