Austin Reaves
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Austin Reaves is entering an important season for his career.
The incredible play of Austin Reaves this season will see him having strong value on the free agent market. Los Angeles Lakers fans have been treated to a breakout season of Reaves showing greater potential than previous years. LeBron James and Luka Doncic both missing games caused Reaves to step up in a contract season.
One NBA executive told ESPN that the Brooklyn Nets could be a great destination for Reaves if the Lakers aren’t willing to pay top dollar. “AR’s a stud,” the executive told ESPN about free agency. “If I were the Brooklyn Nets, I would throw all the money at him. He has shown when he gets the keys to the engine, he can produce.”
The Nets will have a lot of cap space next summer to make things difficult for the Lakers if they choose to increase the market value for Reaves. Every rebuilding team hopes to find the right talents to invest in and build around via trades of free agency. It is obvious that the Lakers want to retain Reaves, but things could change if this executive is right.
Why The Nets Might Want Reaves
A terrible 1-10 start for Brooklyn sees the team clearly trying to land a top draft pick this year. The second year of a rebuilding project has the Nets attempting to find some breakout talent from a record-setting five rookies on roster. Michael Porter Jr. and Nicolas Claxton have served as the team’s veterans by playing the most minutes and having career-highs in usage.
Cam Thomas suffering an injury adds to the already building doubt that Brooklyn will look to extend him in free agency. The Nets will want to upgrade talent by signing or trading for new stars, along with the dream of landing a top lottery pick in the 2026 Draft. Free agency is the best avenue since the team can hold onto future assets.
Reaves fits the mold of a player that does well in his situation, but one who also has the potential to take their game to another level. The anonymous executive named Brooklyn as a great spot for Reaves due to the freedom he’ll have on offense. Only a handful of teams can promise Reaves a chance to be “the guy” leading their franchise, but the Nets have that temptation.
Should The Lakers Fear Losing Reaves?
The Lakers reportedly offered Reaves an extension worth $89.2 million for another four years during this past offseason, but he turned it down. It is becoming clear that Reaves wants his next contract to have more years on it. LeBron’s future is also in doubt as the Lakers seem ready to build a new roster around Doncic.
Reaves is considered an important part of JJ Redick’s system and will get a strong contract offer to remain in a dynamic duo with Luka moving forward. Another team like Brooklyn raising the bid to superstar money could create real issues for the Lakers.
This scenario features the Nets wanting to sign Reaves to be their number one option against the Lakers retaining him as the second option at best with different motives. Reaves has expressed a desire to stay in Los Angeles, but money will talk if teams like Brooklyn and others come calling.