Austin Reaves Pursues Max Contract as Free Agency Approaches
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves plans to seek a maximum-value contract when he reaches free agency this summer, the Los Angeles Times’ Brad Turner reported.
Reaves is expected to decline his player option after another productive season in Los Angeles. The undrafted 25-year-old averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 49 percent from the field.
Although multiple teams are projected to express interest, league insiders still regard the Lakers as the frontrunner to keep the 6-foot-5 guard. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps recently identified the Brooklyn Nets—who finished 20-62—as a possible bidder, but the franchise remains in the early stages of a rebuild.
Reaves has formed close ties with All-Star Luka Dončić and head coach JJ Redick, strengthening the belief that he will ultimately remain in Los Angeles.
Whether the Lakers view Reaves as a max-level player remains uncertain. His rapid rise from role contributor to high-output scorer mirrors that of other guards who have secured top-tier deals across the league.
The timing of Reaves’ negotiations coincides with another pivotal Lakers storyline: LeBron James is also headed toward free agency. League executives largely expect James to re-sign in Los Angeles or consider a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
For now, the organization that uncovered one of the NBA’s most successful undrafted stories may need to decide how much it is willing to pay to keep him.
Source: Hoops Wire
