Overview
- An Eastern Conference executive told ESPN the Nets should "throw all the money" at Austin Reaves, calling the Lakers guard an ideal target for Brooklyn.
- Reaves is averaging 28.3 points and 8.3 assists through nine games, including 51- and 41-point performances on consecutive nights during an early-season surge.
- He holds a $14.8–$14.9 million player option for 2026-27, declined a four-year, $89 million extension, and could see offers up to five years and $241 million from the Lakers or four years and $178.5 million from cap-space teams.
- Spotrac projects Brooklyn to have among the league’s largest 2026-27 cap room, positioning the Nets to be major players on the open market.
- Brooklyn’s 1-10 start underscores a rebuilding push for scoring help, while analysts note a Reaves signing would upgrade the roster without instantly vaulting the team into contention.