Austin Reaves is expected to decline a $90 million contract offer from the Los Angeles Lakers and opt instead for free agency.

Austin Reaves Expected to Decline $90 Million Contract Offer from the Los Angeles Lakers and Opt for Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, are accustomed to dealing with high-stakes decisions, especially when it comes to retaining talented players or making moves in free agency. As the 2024 NBA offseason approaches, the Lakers face a pivotal moment in the career of one of their rising stars—Austin Reaves. According to reports, Reaves is expected to decline a lucrative $90 million contract extension offer from the Lakers and instead explore his options in free agency.

This move has sent ripples through the NBA community, as the 25-year-old guard has been a key contributor for the Lakers, especially during their postseason runs. Reaves’ decision to turn down the sizable contract offer raises many questions regarding his future in Los Angeles, his potential market value, and the strategic moves the Lakers might make to retain him. In this article, we will break down the implications of Reaves’ decision to decline the $90 million extension, explore his growth as a player, and analyze what this means for the Lakers and the broader NBA landscape.

Austin Reaves’ Rapid Rise in the NBA

Austin Reaves’ journey to the NBA is a testament to his perseverance, work ethic, and basketball IQ. Reaves, who went undrafted in the 2021 NBA Draft, quickly turned heads after signing with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent. While he was not initially seen as a surefire star, his skill set, adaptability, and impact on the court have rapidly earned him a place among the Lakers’ most important players.

Reaves first caught the attention of fans and analysts alike during the 2022 NBA season. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis dealing with injuries, Reaves had the opportunity to step up and contribute more prominently in the Lakers’ lineup. His excellent shooting ability, knack for drawing fouls, and versatile scoring made him a fan favorite. Throughout the 2022-2023 season, Reaves established himself as a reliable secondary ball handler, a capable shooter, and an unselfish playmaker. His performance during the Lakers’ deep playoff run, where they advanced to the Western Conference Finals, solidified his status as one of the most promising young talents in the league.

Reaves’ development over the past two seasons has been nothing short of remarkable. His ability to play both on and off the ball, alongside LeBron and AD, has been integral to the Lakers’ offensive and defensive schemes. His poise in clutch moments, as seen in several high-pressure situations during the 2023 postseason, has further enhanced his reputation as a player with a bright future in the league.

Why Reaves Might Decline the $90 Million Offer

Given Austin Reaves’ impressive progression, it comes as no surprise that the Lakers have offered him a $90 million extension to lock him in for the long term. However, reports suggest that Reaves is inclined to decline the offer and instead test the waters of free agency. So, why would a player like Reaves, who is coming off such a strong season, choose to leave money on the table and risk uncertainty in free agency?

There are several key factors at play in Reaves’ decision-making process.

1. Maximizing Market Value

Reaves’ decision to decline the Lakers’ offer is likely driven by his desire to maximize his market value. After two seasons of steady growth, Reaves is poised to receive a significant contract extension, and by opting for free agency, he can open up the possibility of securing a contract that exceeds the Lakers’ offer. Several factors contribute to Reaves’ increased value on the open market:

• Playoff Success: Reaves’ performance in the 2023 playoffs, where he played a vital role in the Lakers’ postseason run, will be a key factor in his value. His ability to contribute in high-pressure situations, along with his clutch performances, has made him an attractive asset for other teams looking for a player who can perform in the postseason.
• Offensive and Defensive Versatility: Reaves has proven to be a two-way player, capable of contributing both offensively and defensively. His scoring, playmaking, and ability to guard multiple positions make him a valuable commodity for teams looking to bolster their backcourt. His versatility allows him to fit into many systems, which means teams across the league will be eager to pursue him.
• Youth and Longevity: At 25 years old, Reaves is entering the prime of his career. He has plenty of years ahead of him, and teams may be willing to offer him a long-term deal with a higher annual salary than the Lakers’ extension. In free agency, Reaves could be positioned to sign a deal that not only provides more financial security but also guarantees him a bigger role on a contending team.

2. The Lakers’ Cap Situation

While the Lakers’ offer of $90 million is a solid one, the team’s cap situation may limit the flexibility they can offer Reaves in the future. The Lakers are already committed to significant contracts with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and they are likely to make moves to either improve their roster or preserve financial flexibility for future seasons. Reaves, knowing that the Lakers are invested in their two superstar players, may see a potential cap crunch on the horizon that could limit his earning potential in Los Angeles in the long term.

By opting for free agency, Reaves could ensure that he gets the most lucrative contract possible without being tied to the constraints of the Lakers’ payroll. He may also want to explore other teams that offer a better long-term fit for his style of play or a larger role in their system, especially considering that Reaves has shown the potential to be more than just a complementary piece.

3. Desire for a Larger Role

Despite the Lakers’ success in recent years, Reaves may feel that his role on the team could be more expansive elsewhere. While the Lakers are a championship contender with LeBron James leading the charge, Reaves may be looking for a situation where he can become more of a focal point of the offense. As a young player with significant upside, Reaves might want to explore other organizations where he can develop as a primary ball handler or lead scorer.

Teams that are in rebuilding phases or those without established superstars could offer him the opportunity to assume a more prominent role in their rotations. In a city like Los Angeles, with the Lakers’ attention often fixed on their superstar duo of LeBron and AD, Reaves may desire a more substantial individual presence and the chance to become the cornerstone player for another franchise.

4. A Championship Window for the Lakers

Another factor that might be at play is Reaves’ long-term view of the Lakers’ championship window. While the Lakers are certainly in contention as long as LeBron and AD are healthy, there is no guarantee that the team will be able to maintain a championship-caliber roster in the coming seasons. Reaves may want to take a step back and assess whether the Lakers are truly positioned to contend for multiple titles or if they will face an eventual rebuilding period.

By opting for free agency, Reaves can weigh his options and decide whether joining a team with a longer window of championship contention makes more sense for his career trajectory. If Reaves believes the Lakers’ future is uncertain, he could look for an organization where he sees a more stable and long-term championship window.

Potential Landing Spots for Austin Reaves

While Reaves’ decision to decline the Lakers’ $90 million offer is still speculative at this point, it opens the door for potential suitors. As one of the most coveted young talents in the league, several teams are likely to pursue Reaves in free agency. Let’s explore a few potential landing spots that could make sense for the 25-year-old guard.

1. New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are an up-and-coming team with a solid core of young talent. With Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson, and RJ Barrett, the Knicks have established themselves as a competitive force in the Eastern Conference. If the Knicks are looking to add another two-way player to complement their roster, Reaves would be an ideal fit. New York also offers a significant market presence, which could appeal to Reaves in terms of branding and visibility.

2. Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls have been in the playoff conversation for the past few seasons but have struggled to make a deep run. A move to Chicago would provide Reaves with a larger role in the offense alongside DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. The Bulls’ need for a reliable backcourt player to complement their star wings could make Reaves an attractive option.

3. Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Dončić, are always on the lookout for players who can complement their superstar. Reaves’ ability to handle the ball, shoot, and defend would make him a great fit alongside Dončić. The Mavs are in a championship window, and Reaves could be a key contributor as a secondary ball handler or off-ball shooter next to one of the league’s best playmakers.

4. Phoenix Suns

With Chris Paul aging and the Suns looking to retool their roster around Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, Reaves could be a valuable addition. Phoenix is a team with championship aspirations, and Reaves would be a solid fit as a two-way player who can contribute in a variety of roles.

The Lakers’ Next Steps

If Reaves ultimately declines the $90 million contract extension and opts for free agency, the Lakers will face a significant challenge in retaining him. The team will need to weigh its options, including offering him a more substantial deal or exploring other potential free-agent targets to bolster their roster. With a strong group of young players on the rise and the franchise’s stars already committed, the Lakers will need to find the right balance between keeping Reaves and maintaining financial flexibility.