Lakers Seal Austin Reaves Deal; Nets Land Keon Ellis; Vucevic Rejoins Magic
lakers-reaves-nets-ellis-magic-vucevic
Los Angeles — The Los Angeles Lakers have officially re-signed guard Austin Reaves, completing one of the club’s top offseason objectives after the two sides reached a preliminary agreement late last month.
“Austin’s relentless pursuit of improvement, fierce competitiveness and commitment to winning have made him an integral part of our organization,” president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said in a statement announcing the agreement. “We’re thrilled to continue building with him as a cornerstone of our team as we pursue our championship goals.”
The 26-year-old agreed to a four-year maximum contract reportedly worth about $185 million after declining his player option for the 2024-25 season. The former undrafted guard averaged a career-high 23.3 points last season while continuing his rise alongside Luka Doncic, becoming one of the most sought-after free agents who never reached the open market.
Nets Bring In Keon Ellis
Brooklyn — Keon Ellis said familiarity with new head coach Jordi Fernandez was pivotal in his decision to sign with the Nets. The pair previously worked together in Sacramento.
“From what I heard, he was pulling for me really hard,” Ellis told the New York Post. “I know the way he coaches. He’s very passionate. He’s about the right things. He wants to win.”
The veteran guard accepted a two-year, $18 million contract and believes his perimeter defense and outside shooting will complement Brooklyn’s youthful core. “When you combine all those things, they just lined up,” he added.
Vucevic Returns to Orlando
Orlando — Nikola Vucevic said his return to the Magic is about more than nostalgia, explaining he believes the team is poised for a deeper playoff push after several seasons of steady growth.
“It’s one of the reasons I came back,” the 35-year-old center told reporters. “This team has a chance to take the next step and go deep into the playoffs.”
Vucevic spent more than eight seasons in Orlando before a 2021 trade to Chicago. The Magic have not advanced past the first round since 2010, a drought Vucevic hopes to help end. While acknowledging he is in the latter stages of his career, the veteran said retirement is not yet on his radar. “Hopefully I can stay in Orlando for a few years,” he said.
Source: Hoops Wire
