Blockbuster NBA Trade Proposal: Lakers Land Nic Claxton and Cam Johnson, Hawks Get Reaves and Hachimura in Three-Team Deal
In a league where every offseason has the potential to shake the foundation of the NBA, a new blockbuster three-team trade proposal is gaining traction, promising to dramatically shift the balance of power in both conferences. The proposed trade would send Brooklyn Nets’ center Nic Claxton and sharpshooter Cam Johnson to the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Atlanta Hawks would receive Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. The Brooklyn Nets, meanwhile, would receive a haul of picks and depth pieces, setting them up for a promising rebuild.
This trade, if executed, could be one of the defining moves of the 2025 NBA offseason, offering all three teams a unique opportunity to reshape their rosters, address immediate needs, and pivot towards their long-term ambitions.
The Proposed Trade Breakdown
Los Angeles Lakers receive:
- Nic Claxton (Brooklyn Nets)
- Cam Johnson (Brooklyn Nets)
Atlanta Hawks receive:
- Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Rui Hachimura (Los Angeles Lakers)
Brooklyn Nets receive:
- Multiple future first-round picks (from LAL and ATL)
- Jalen Johnson or Onyeka Okongwu (from ATL, hypothetically)
- Salary filler (e.g., Gabe Vincent or De’Andre Hunter, depending on salary match)
Los Angeles Lakers: Doubling Down on Defense and Floor Spacing
For the Lakers, this move represents a calculated risk that could pay immediate dividends. By acquiring Nic Claxton, one of the premier shot-blocking big men in the NBA, they finally get the defensive anchor they’ve long sought to pair with Anthony Davis. Claxton’s athleticism, rim protection, and ability to switch onto guards make him an ideal frontcourt partner, allowing Davis to play more freely on both ends of the floor.
Adding Cam Johnson gives the Lakers a high-IQ, 3-and-D forward who can space the floor around LeBron James and potentially shoulder some scoring load. Johnson, a career 39% shooter from beyond the arc, is exactly the kind of player who thrives alongside ball-dominant stars. His ability to stretch defenses could open up driving lanes for LeBron and D’Angelo Russell (or whoever runs point), making the Lakers’ offense far more dynamic.
However, they do give up two young and beloved core pieces in Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. Reaves, in particular, has become a fan favorite due to his gritty play, clutch shooting, and chemistry with LeBron. But the Lakers are clearly in a win-now mode, and with LeBron nearing the end of his career, this move suggests that the front office is looking to maximize the window before the curtain closes.
Atlanta Hawks: A New Era with Reaves and Hachimura
The Hawks, meanwhile, continue reshaping their roster following rumors of major shake-ups after another disappointing playoff exit. If they are indeed parting ways with De’Andre Hunter, and possibly even considering trades involving Dejounte Murray or Trae Young, adding Austin Reaves gives them a high-IQ combo guard who can play on or off the ball and doesn’t need high usage to be effective.
Reaves is a smart plug-and-play piece who could stabilize the backcourt if one of the Hawks’ lead guards is moved. His ability to create, hit timely shots, and defend multiple positions gives Atlanta a key piece around whom they can build or continue a soft rebuild.
Rui Hachimura provides additional scoring and versatility at the forward spot. He’s an effective mid-range scorer and capable defender who can thrive with more touches in a less crowded offense. His potential as a reliable third option is yet to be fully tapped, and a change of scenery could be the catalyst he needs.
This deal would also free the Hawks from long-term commitments while giving them two ascending players who are both 26 or younger.
Brooklyn Nets: The Rebuild Is Officially On
For the Brooklyn Nets, this trade marks a definitive shift toward rebuilding. Moving off Claxton and Cam Johnson—two of their most valuable veterans—clears the way for a youth movement and potential draft positioning. The centerpiece of their return would be the future first-round picks from both Los Angeles and Atlanta, which could be especially valuable in the post-LeBron era and amid Atlanta’s instability.
Additionally, if they land Jalen Johnson or Onyeka Okongwu from the Hawks, they get a promising young big to replace Claxton while maintaining some level of competitiveness. Either player fits the Nets’ timeline and could blossom with increased responsibility.
This move also clears cap space and gives Brooklyn the flexibility to become a player in the 2026 free agent market or absorb contracts in exchange for more draft capital.
Why All Three Teams Win
Lakers: They make a bold push for another championship run while giving LeBron James and Anthony Davis the kind of support they need to contend in the Western Conference. Claxton and Johnson fit seamlessly into Darvin Ham’s system and offer immediate impact.
Hawks: They get younger, more flexible, and potentially more cohesive. Reaves and Hachimura aren’t stars, but they’re reliable pieces who can flourish with more opportunity and represent long-term fits.
Nets: They officially reset without completely bottoming out. Stockpiling picks while staying competitive with young assets is the ideal strategy for a small-market team post-superstar era.
Conclusion: A Rare Win-Win-Win Scenario
It’s rare to find a trade that checks boxes for all parties involved, but this proposed three-team deal comes close. With each team addressing core needs—whether it’s contending now, retooling for the future, or starting fresh—this trade could set the tone for the rest of the NBA offseason. If Rob Pelinka, Landry Fields, and Sean Marks can find common ground, this might not just be a fantasy scenario—but a very real blockbuster waiting to happen.
