The Detroit Pistons were prepared to make a major push for Austin Reaves in free agency before the guard ultimately remained with the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to Vincent Goodwill of ESPN, Detroit was positioned to offer Reaves a significant contract if the Lakers had opened the door for him to leave.
The Pistons also inquired about potential trades for Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant during the offseason, per the same report, but none of those possibilities materialized.
When it came to Reaves, however, Detroit never got the chance to enter the picture. Los Angeles made keeping him a top priority.
He ultimately re-signed with the Lakers on a four-year, $180 million contract, which includes a player option for the 2029-30 season.
Reaves coming off a stellar season
The 28-year-old averaged career highs of 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in 51 regular-season games before entering free agency.
Reaves initially agreed to a deal reported around $185 million before the final terms were adjusted to $180 million, giving the Lakers additional future flexibility.
He is set to earn approximately $41.2 million this season. His salary will rise over the life of the contract, culminating in a player option worth roughly $49.6 million in 2029-30.
Reaves, Luka Doncic, and Walker Kessler now form a Big Three for the Lakers.