Should Nets Pursue Lakers G Austin Reaves In Free Agency?

The Brooklyn Nets have a pivotal offseason ahead of them, possessing three draft picks, multiple trade assets, and a looming decision about Michael Porter Jr.

On Tuesday, Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes named Brooklyn as the team with the most trade capital.

Hughes noted that the Nets have the most second round picks in the NBA (19), along with three additional firsts from the Mikal Bridges trade kicking in in 2027, 2029, and 2031.

If the Nets want to make a move this offseason, one potential target is Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, who had a career-year and is in line for a hefty paycheck.

Reaves, who increased his scoring average each of his five seasons in LA, averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds, serving as the Lakers' secondary scorer next to Luka Dončić.

Early in the season, Reaves was one of the hottest scorers in the league, averaging 32 points per game in the month of November.

In the third game of the season, a 127-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings, Reaves exploded for 51 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, looking like a premier lead guard.

In December, Reaves kept up his stellar play with nearly 27 points per game, shooting over 53-percent from the field.

Although Reaves technically still has one year left on his deal with Los Angeles, he will almost certainly opt into his player option to pursue a max-deal.

On Thursday, ESPN highlighted the Nets as a team to look out for with Reaves, noting their cap space and ability to sign a max player.

Right now, sources point towards Reaves being right below that max-deal threshold, likely commanding a deal around $40 million a year.

This is certainly an expensive price tag for the former undrafted combo guard out of Oklahoma, but Reaves has earned his chance on another team if the Lakers decide to let him walk.

While the Nets will likely address the backcourt with their No. 6 overall pick, Reaves has showed the ability to play multiple roles, handling the ball or providing value off-ball as well.

Reaves would instantly add a level of playmaking and shot creation that Brooklyn desperately needs in the backcourt, helping Porter get open looks.

The crafty 2-guard also has room to grow, as he showed the ability to lead the Lakers during times of injury.

If the Nets can get Reaves for high 30s to low 40s long-term, he could be a Jalen Brunson-type player who flourishes in an expanded role.

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