Overview
- Averaging 30.3 points on 48% shooting with 5.1 rebounds and 9 assists through eight games, Austin Reaves has opened the season at an elite level.
- An Eastern Conference executive told ESPN the Brooklyn Nets should "throw all the money" at Reaves, citing his production when given primary responsibilities.
- Reaves holds a $14.9 million player option for 2026–27 and is positioned for unrestricted free agency, with ESPN’s Bobby Marks estimating a five-year Lakers max up to $241 million or four years and $178.5 million from other teams.
- Spotrac projects Brooklyn with significant 2026–27 cap flexibility, which could expand by moving Michael Porter Jr.’s $40.8 million expiring deal, as the Nets stumble to a 1–10 start.
- Reaves previously declined a four-year, $89 million Lakers offer after the Finals and has said he wants to remain in Los Angeles without chasing every last dollar.