Austin Reaves might spark a four-team chase, according to a report from the New York Times. The Lakers guard is reportedly seeking a new contract worth $40 million annually. Among NBA teams, only the Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets have the financial flexibility to offer such a deal, and both need to bolster their backcourt. Meanwhile, the Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks are also interested but would first need to clear cap space in their guard rotations. Could Reaves actually leave the Lakers?
While other teams believe Reaves and the Lakers will eventually reach an extension agreement, the door remains open for a potential departure. It is expected that Reaves may demand a contract paying him $40 million per year, considering his age, playing style, and, most importantly, the scarcity of free agents of his caliber in today’s league.
Currently, the Bulls and Nets are both in need of backcourt upgrades and are the only two teams capable of affording such a contract. Other interested teams include the Jazz and Hawks, though both would need to make roster adjustments to free up space for a guard.
This season, Reaves averaged 23.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, shooting 49% from the field and 36% from three-point range. In the playoffs, he appeared in six games, averaging 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists, with shooting percentages of 40.7% from the field and 25.7% from beyond the arc. Reaves’ contract is set to expire next season, with a player option for the final year worth $14.89 million. However, he has already declined that option and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Will Reaves demand a $40 million annual contract? Will he leave the Lakers?
