The Mavericks' decision to trade Luka Doncic without insisting on acquiring Austin Reaves raises a crucial question: How did Nico Harrison overlook such a key piece in a deal that could've changed Dallas' future?
One of the most improved players this season, Austin Reaves, has been playing the best basketball of his life.
Playing next to LeBron James and Luka Doncic, he's embraced the role of a high-IQ third option – defending, creating, and consistently delivering in clutch moments.
Under JJ Redick's system and with Luka by his side, Reaves has elevated his game to new heights, showcasing polished skills, elite decision-making, and unwavering confidence.
For an undrafted player, this rise is nothing short of remarkable.
And it makes you wonder:
If he's this good as a third option... what could he do as the main guy? That brings us to one of the biggest missed opportunities of the season.
When the Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Lakers on February 2, 2025 – acquiring Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick – one name was surprisingly missing: Austin Reaves.
Considering his performance and potential, Nico Harrison not insisting on Reaves in that deal seems like a massive oversight.
Let's break down how Reaves became this good, how JJ Redick and Luka unlocked his full potential, and why Dallas will regret not getting him in the trade.
The moment Luka was traded, the NBA world stopped.
A generational superstar, gone in his prime. Naturally, most of the attention focused on what Dallas got back – Anthony Davis, future draft capital, and questions about what this meant for their future.
But somehow, a crucial detail slipped through the cracks of many people. Austin Reaves wasn't part of the deal.
One of the most improved guards in the league, a player whose value continues to rise, and someone who was already a crucial part of the Lakers' rotation, left untouched.
The Mavericks let him stay in LA despite having all the leverage in negotiations.
Let's be clear: no package is going to feel like "enough" for Luka Doncic.
But if Dallas had walked away with Reaves – 26 years old, playing the best basketball of his life – it would have at least offered a legitimate foundation.
A guard with playoff experience, leadership traits, and the ability to thrive on or off the ball.
Reaves has always been composed, even under the league's brightest spotlight.
From the start of his NBA journey, he's shared the floor with LeBron – a situation that chews up most young guards. Not him. He adapted. He evolved. He produced.
And now, playing next to Luka? He's better than ever.
With Kyrie Irving sidelined for large stretches, the Mavericks desperately needed a guard who could organize the offense, play off-ball, and step into the leadership role.
Reaves would've been perfect. His ability to play off stars like LeBron and Luka makes him uniquely valuable. And in Dallas, he could've been more than a third option – he could've been the guy.
He's shown all the tools: high IQ, smart shot selection, elite decision-making, and poise under pressure. A player like that doesn't just help you rebuild. He helps you win.
Why Reaves Fits Perfectly With Luka
What caught everyone off guard – even longtime fans – was just how seamless the Reaves-Doncic pairing has been.
They complement each other like they've played together for years.
The biggest shift came in playing style. Since Luka joined the Lakers, the team's offensive identity has transformed.
They went from averaging around 34 three-point attempts per game to nearly 41.
That's a massive jump – moving from one of the league's lowest-volume three-point shooting teams to one that now spaces the floor like a contender.
And that spacing? It's opened the floodgates for Reaves.
Luka's gravity pulls defenders everywhere. He draws double teams, the opponent's best wing, and extra help from the weak side.
That leaves Reaves with cleaner looks, better matchups, and more room to operate. He's capitalizing with elite efficiency.
It doesn't stop there. The Lakers have also dramatically increased their isolation possessions – from 7.4% to 11.9% of total plays.
That's Luka's influence. But it's also benefited Reaves, who now faces weaker defenders and gets to exploit mismatches more often.
How JJ Redick Unlocked Reaves' Next Level
Reaves' development wasn't just about Luka. A big part of it comes down to JJ Redick.
Under Redick, Reaves has taken on more offensive responsibility than ever before. He's being trusted with more freedom, more sets, and more shot volume – and he's rewarding that faith.
Before Redick took over, just 3.7% of Reaves' plays came off screen actions. This year, that number has nearly doubled to 7.4%.
That's a big shift in play type and a clear sign the coaching staff is building around his strengths.
Reaves' three-point attempts have also surged – from 5.1 per game last season to 7.3 per game this year.
He's hitting a career-high 2.7 threes per game at 37%. That's the kind of growth you rarely see in a player who went undrafted.
Although projected to go in the mid-second round, Reaves chose to go undrafted so he could sign with the Lakers – a bold move that's paid off in full.
Reaves' growth isn't just about raw points. His efficiency and decision-making have quietly made him one of the most valuable guards in the league.
- True Shooting %: 61.6%
- Catch-and-Shoot 3s (since Luka joined): 49% (36-of-73)
- Points Per Possession (Catch-and-Shoot): 1.28
Those are elite numbers, especially for a third option. He's not just hitting shots; he's hitting the right shots at the right time.
He understands the flow of the offense, rarely looks strong, and thrives in big moments.
His scoring progression tells the story:
- Rookie year (2021-22): 7.3 PPG
- 2022-23: 13.0 PPG
- 2023-24: 15.9 PPG
- 2024-25: 20.2 PPG
In the end, the Mavericks' failure to demand Reaves wasn't just a footnote. It was a mistake of the trade.
This wasn't a team giving up a role player. This was Luka Doncic, arguably the most talented offensive engine in the world.
If you're going to trade a player like that, you need blue-chip assets in return. Reaves should've been one of them.
Instead, Nico Harrison walked away with what feels like a downgrade both for this season and the Mavs' future.
Meanwhile, Reaves stayed in LA, where he's now helping turn the Lakers into real contenders again.
The Lakers didn't just win the Luka trade. They won by keeping Austin Reaves as well.
And the Mavericks? They let a franchise-changing guard slip away for no reason.
