Austin Reaves has been expected to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, but sources tell ESPN that the Brooklyn Nets are a potential bidder to monitor. The Nets have enough cap space to sign a max-type player and do not control their first round draft pick in 2027, which could motivate them to expedite their rebuild. 

Reaves' market has been projected to be closer to $200 million over five years than his max of $239 million.

"I'd be pretty surprised if the first year starts with a 3 instead of a 4," an East scout said, "but the Lakers need to keep him, and by all accounts he wants to be there, so I think they make it work."

Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 34.5 minutes across 51 games and was an All-Star candidate before his calf strain injury.

Reaves is coming of a four-year, $53.8 million contract signed during the 2023 offseason that made him one of the NBA's best value contracts. Reaves is represented by Aaron Reilly and Reggie Berry.