Austin Reaves is about to get paid, and the only real question is who signs the check. The Lakers guard is expected to decline his $14.9 million player option and hit unrestricted free agency, and rival executives think he could command around $40 million per season.
That is a stunning number for a player who went undrafted, and it speaks to how good Reaves has become and how thin this free-agent class is. Several scouts peg his deal in the range of five years and $200 million, just under his max of roughly $239 million.
For a guy who was fighting for a roster spot a few years ago, that is one of the great value stories in the league.
The Lakers Are Still the Smart Money
Despite all the suitors, the majority opinion is that Reaves stays in Los Angeles. Rob Pelinka has said Reaves made it clear he wants to remain a Laker, and the front office wants the same thing. When both sides want a deal done, it usually gets done.
That does not mean it will be cheap. The Lakers are going to have to pay a massive raise to keep him, and they will do it because finding a 27-year-old two-way guard who can create offense is nearly impossible in this market.
The outside threats are real, though. The Hawks are considered the most serious competitor because they can offer a winning situation, and Reaves is expected to value contending. The Bulls and Nets have the cap space to throw $40 million per year at him. The Jazz have interest but would need to clear room.
Why the Nets Matter Even If He Stays
Here is the leverage game. Brooklyn has a pile of cap space and a desperate need for offense, which makes them the perfect team to drive up the price. Reaves does not have to want to play in Brooklyn for the Nets to be useful to him. He just needs them to make a big offer the Lakers have to match.
That is how undrafted guys turn into $200 million players. You let the market do the work.
The Lakers also have LeBron James entering free agency at the same time, which complicates everything. The franchise is building two different plans depending on what LeBron decides. Reaves is the one piece they seem committed to no matter what.
Bet on Reaves staying in purple and gold, because both sides clearly want it. Just do not be surprised when the final number makes your jaw drop.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
