NBA Rumors: The Surprising Team that Wants to Get Austin Reaves out of the Los Angeles Lakers
The Utah Jazz are one of the worst franchises in the league, but they are going to try to prevent the Californians from renewing the contract of one of their stars
The future of Austin Reaves is set to become one of the most closely followed matters in the upcoming NBA market. The Los Angeles Lakers star will decline his $15 million player option for the next season and will be a free agent this summer, a decision that opens the door to multiple suitors in the league.
During the season, the shooting guard had already turned down an $89 million extension, a move that now makes sense. In the coming months, he will be eligible to sign a five-year, $241 million max extension with the Lakers, a significantly higher amount than the previous offer.
His performance explains the interest he has generated. Reaves has taken a definitive leap this season, averaging 23.5 points per game, along with 4.7 rebounds and 5.4 assists, while also maintaining a three-point shooting percentage above 37%.
Utah, one of the most attentive teams
Nevertheless, his market entry will not go unnoticed. According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Utah Jazz are one of the teams planning to pursue his signing. The franchise aims to continue bolstering its roster after the major move made at the trade deadline, acquiring defensive center Jaren Jackson Jr.. The journalist points out that Utah has a clear interest in the player and it would not be surprising if they try to secure him once free agency opens.
Currently, Cody Williams has performed as the starting shooting guard, but his 6.2 points per game fall well short of Reaves' offensive output. His addition, alongside Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and last draft's fifth pick, Ace Bailey, could turn Utah into a serious contender in the Western Conference next season.
Despite external interest, convincing Reaves to leave Los Angeles will not be easy. In addition to the prominent role he has attained with the Lakers, the opportunity to sign that $241 million max contract places the Los Angeles franchise in a privileged position to retain him. The outcome will depend on free agency, where the shooting guard will be one of the most sought-after names in the summer.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: El sorprendente equipo que quiere sacar a Austin Reaves de Los Angeles Lakers