Austin Reaves will be one of the most sought after free agents this summer and is line for a massive pay increase after making just under $14 million this season. Reaves is coming off a career year with the Los Angeles Lakers and while the team has been open about their desire to bring him back, there is always the possibility that he could choose to sign elsewhere.
Reaves will undoubtedly have his share of suitors once free agency begins and with teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks and Utah Jazz potentially having interest in signing the guard, according to Dan Woike and Sam Amick of The Athletic:
While team and league sources believe that the Lakers and Reaves will eventually land on a contract that makes sense, the door for Reaves to walk is open should he get a big offer elsewhere. Rival executives predicted Reaves could command $40 million a season due to a combination of his play, his age and, perhaps most importantly, a free-agent class completely devoid of players as productive as him in their prime. At present, the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets, who both have needs at the guard position, are the only teams with the sort of salary-cap space available to meet that sort of financial mark. Other teams that are known to have some interest in Reaves — like Utah and Atlanta, per league sources — would need to make roster moves to find the necessary space. League sources say winning will be a significant factor in Reaves’ thinking.
As was noted, Reaves wants to win and with that being a major factor the Hawks would pose the biggest threat amongst those teams mentioned to lure him away. The Hawks won 46 games last season and already have an excellent core, led by All-Star Jalen Johnson, but are in need of a lead guard who can create for himself and his teammates. The Jazz also look poised to potentially take a leap next season and adding Reaves alongside Lauri Markannen and Jaren Jackson Jr. would signal that they truly are ready to compete.
Reaves has spoken about wanting to remain with the Lakers and odds are that will be the outcome in the end. But if he feels the best move for his career is signing somewhere else where he can get paid properly for a winning team, he is going to explore that potential option.
Luka Doncic has told Lakers he wants to continue playing with Austin Reaves
Something else that will motivate the Lakers to get a deal done with Reaves is the fact that Luka Doncic wants him back. In fact, the superstar guard reportedly told the franchise that he didn’t want Reaves included in any potential trade package for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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