Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is poised to become one of the top players available in NBA free agency this summer. While Los Angeles is favored to re-sign him, contenders are already gearing up for a bidding war.
Dan Woik and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that the Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks are already two teams that have "known interest" in signing Reaves this summer.
RELATED: Executives predict potential cost of Austin Reeves contract
- Austin Reeves Stats (2025-26): 23.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.1 spg, 2.3 3pts per game, 36% 3pts
Reeves, age 27, is believed to still live in Los Angeles. The 6-foot-5 guard has expressed his desire to remain with the Lakers and there were reports during the season that he might take a waiver to remain with the team.
Los Angeles already knows what price he is looking for on a long-term deal. The lack of high-level talent in NBA free agency, especially under the age of 30, gives Reaves an advantage. With the rising NBA salary cap, over $40 million is being paid per season at this point.
RELATED: Executive details potential win-win contract for Lakers, LeBron
The challenge for the Lakers will be how they build their roster with a commitment of more than $90 million per season to Reaves and Luka Doncic. Los Angeles will also have to decide what to offer LeBron James, who will have a limited number of suitors and all of them will have financial restrictions on what they can offer.
