Insider on how much money Austin Reaves could seek on his next deal
Los Angeles Lakers fans seem divided on whether the team should keep guard Austin Reaves or look to trade him in order to become a true championship contender. While he took another step forward this season in terms of his production and overall game, he played poorly in the postseason, and his weaknesses remain.
What makes such a decision more complicated for the Lakers is the fact that he has a player option for the 2026-27 season. That means that if they want to keep him, they can either give him a contract extension sometime soon or let him enter free agency next summer and bid against other teams.
According to Bleacher Report insider Eric Pincus, Reaves will decline that player option and look for a new deal worth a lot more than his current one.
Via Bleacher Report:
"Reaves is nearly sure to decline his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season to explore unrestricted free agency next summer, seeking a salary in the $30 million starting range," Pincus wrote. "The most he can extend for ($19.5 million) is far short of that number."
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There are Lakers fans who are hoping Reaves gets shipped out for two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who could become available this summer, in order to give the team three legitimate superstars.
But it is unknown whether the team would seriously consider going after Antetokounmpo or instead seek to add a starting-level center and surround LeBron James and Luka Doncic with depth and athleticism, whether Reaves is or isn't a part of such a roster.
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