On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers moved quickly to agree with Austin Reaves on a new four-year, $195 million contract. He has been expected to opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer, but instead of having to sweat out prolonged negotiations, the Lakers are assured of having Reaves in the fold for at least a few more years.
However, several days ago, they reportedly talked to the Miami Heat about star guard Tyler Herro and intriguing young defensive center Kel’el Ware, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Their interest in Ware has already been documented, but the fact that they also discussed acquiring Herro is a surprise. Instead, Herro and Ware are heading to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of the trade that will send Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami.
“Before Herro joined Milwaukee in the Antetokounmpo trade and the Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a four-year, $185 million max deal with Austin Reaves, the Lakers had trade discussions surrounding Herro and Kel’el Ware, which would’ve involved multiple first-round draft picks, league sources told HoopsHype.”
Ware is a 22-year-old seven-footer who is a very good rebounder, shot-blocker and lob threat. However, some have been concerned about his focus, motor and consistency going back to when he was in college at the University of Oregon and Indiana University. Los Angeles has reportedly continued to show interest in Ware even after the Antetokounmpo trade was agreed to.
Herro is a player who is roughly comparable to Reaves, at least in terms of overall production and ability. This season, he averaged 20.5 points on 48% field-goal shooting and 37.8% from 3-point range, 4.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists a game. He isn’t quite the free-throw magnet Reaves is, and he isn’t as much of a lead guard or facilitator as Reaves.
The 26-year-old Herro, who is originally from the Milwaukee area, will now lead a rebuilding effort for the Bucks.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Report: Lakers called Heat about Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire | USA TODAY Network
