Utah is expected to be among the teams preparing a lucrative offer for Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves when he reaches unrestricted free agency this summer, according to Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports.
O’Connor said the Jazz “are going to be a team that has big interest in Austin Reaves,” adding that multiple clubs could put a maximum-level contract on the table. Reaves, 27, is represented by CAA but is also advised by Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul.
Key numbers
Before suffering a calf injury, Reaves averaged 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists, performances that helped the Lakers secure several wins despite extended absences by Luka Dončić and LeBron James. Los Angeles has struggled in Reaves’ absence, and his production has proven difficult to replace.
Potential suitors
In addition to Utah, franchises projected to have cap space include the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls. League observers view Washington as an unlikely destination after the Wizards acquired Trae Young, while Chicago’s approach may hinge on whether the team regards Coby White and Josh Giddey as its long-term backcourt. Brooklyn and the veteran-heavy Clippers could also pursue Reaves, depending on their offseason priorities.
Lakers’ stance
Reaves has repeatedly said he hopes to remain with the Lakers, and the organization is expected to prioritize a new deal. However, Los Angeles would need to match or come close to any competing offers to retain him.
Rich Paul trade comment
The free-agency chatter intensified after Paul publicly floated the idea of trading Reaves to the Memphis Grizzlies for forward Jaren Jackson Jr. Reaves’ representatives spoke with Paul during halftime of the Lakers’ recent game against the Atlanta Hawks to address the remark.
Free agency will clarify which teams are prepared to extend near-max or max contracts, but Utah is already positioning itself to challenge Los Angeles for Reaves’ services.
Source: LakersNation.com
