Rob Pelinka made it clear at the end of the Los Angeles Lakers' season that the organization wanted to re-sign Austin Reaves — not like it was much of a question. The guard has said himself that he wants to stay in LA. It's not a foregone conclusion, though, especially after Dan Woike of The Athletic reported on Friday that the Nets are ready to make a run at the 28-year-old (subscription required).
Multiple front-office sources around the league, granted anonymity to freely discuss an opposing player, expect Reaves to have interest from the Brooklyn Nets, with a four-year, $178.5 million contract expected to be offered.
Reaves will be eligible to sign a five-year, $239 million deal with the Lakers, and if Brooklyn offers the four-year deal above, it could push LA to give the guard the maximum contract he is eligible for. And that's something they might have to be willing to do, as they don't want to risk losing him, which is a possibility.
It's not just the Nets, either, as Woike added that the Hawks and Pistons can also clear cap space to sign Reaves. Atlanta and Detroit are in a far better position to win than Brooklyn, something the guard values.
Nets expected to offer Austin Reaves a four-year deal in free agency
Los Angeles knew that there would be other teams vying for Reaves' services, but with the end of the season around the corner (the Knicks could end it on Saturday night), things are starting to feel more real. Knowing Brooklyn is reportedly willing to offer the guard a deal worth roughly $44 million annually should serve as a warning to the Lakers.
As Woike noted, Reaves has been undervalued throughout his career. It was only five years ago when he went undrafted. This summer is finally the time for him to get the kind of payday he deserves, and the Nets will make their pitch to be the team to give him that. They won't be alone in doing so, either.
If it comes down to Los Angeles having to offer Reaves the max not to lose him, it would be hard to see that not happening. The Lakers can't get comfortable in their negotiations with the guard, thinking they will get a discount because he doesn't want to leave LA, not with the other suitors out there lurking.
It's not necessarily Los Angeles or nowhere. The front office can't proceed as if Brooklyn isn't a real threat, which isn't something it should've done regardless, but especially now, knowing more about what the Nets' pitch could look like. The Lakers don't want to be the ones to undervalue Reaves this time around.
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