Lakers' Austin Reaves linked to Jazz on offseason free agent market
Report: Jazz Targeting Austin Reaves as Top Priority in 2026 Free Agency
SALT LAKE CITY – As the 2025-26 NBA season enters its second half, the Utah Jazz are reportedly positioning themselves to be major players in the upcoming summer market, with Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves emerging as a primary target.
According to a report from Yahoo Sports insider Kevin O’Connor, the Jazz are expected to show "big interest" in Reaves once the free agency moratorium lifts. The 27-year-old guard, who has evolved from an undrafted role player into a borderline All-Star and crucial secondary playmaker alongside LeBron James, possesses a player option worth $14.9 million for the 2026-27 season. He is widely expected to decline that option to test unrestricted free agency, capitalizing on a projected salary cap spike.
The Jazz, led by CEO Danny Ainge, are projected to have upwards of $70 million in cap space this offseason. This financial flexibility allows Utah to offer Reaves a maximum contract without needing to facilitate a sign-and-trade, a luxury few contending teams possess. Utah’s front office views Reaves as an ideal backcourt partner for Keyonte George and a stabilizer for a young core that includes Lauri Markkanen and rookie sensation Ace Bailey.
For the Lakers, the threat is significant. While Los Angeles holds Reaves’ Bird rights—allowing them to exceed the salary cap to re-sign him—the looming luxury tax aprons could complicate matching a max offer sheet from a suitor like Utah. Reaves reportedly turned down a preliminary extension offer from Los Angeles last summer, betting on himself to command a higher figure on the open market.
That bet appears to be paying off. Reaves is enjoying a career-best campaign, showcasing his ability to run an offense and score efficiently from all three levels. If Utah presents a four-year offer in the $160–$175 million range, the Lakers will face a difficult financial ultimatum: match the price to keep their third star or risk losing a fan favorite for nothing.
SALT LAKE CITY – As the 2025-26 NBA season enters its second half, the Utah Jazz are reportedly positioning themselves to be major players in the upcoming summer market, with Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves emerging as a primary target.
According to a report from Yahoo Sports insider Kevin O’Connor, the Jazz are expected to show "big interest" in Reaves once the free agency moratorium lifts. The 27-year-old guard, who has evolved from an undrafted role player into a borderline All-Star and crucial secondary playmaker alongside LeBron James, possesses a player option worth $14.9 million for the 2026-27 season. He is widely expected to decline that option to test unrestricted free agency, capitalizing on a projected salary cap spike.
The Jazz, led by CEO Danny Ainge, are projected to have upwards of $70 million in cap space this offseason. This financial flexibility allows Utah to offer Reaves a maximum contract without needing to facilitate a sign-and-trade, a luxury few contending teams possess. Utah’s front office views Reaves as an ideal backcourt partner for Keyonte George and a stabilizer for a young core that includes Lauri Markkanen and rookie sensation Ace Bailey.
For the Lakers, the threat is significant. While Los Angeles holds Reaves’ Bird rights—allowing them to exceed the salary cap to re-sign him—the looming luxury tax aprons could complicate matching a max offer sheet from a suitor like Utah. Reaves reportedly turned down a preliminary extension offer from Los Angeles last summer, betting on himself to command a higher figure on the open market.
That bet appears to be paying off. Reaves is enjoying a career-best campaign, showcasing his ability to run an offense and score efficiently from all three levels. If Utah presents a four-year offer in the $160–$175 million range, the Lakers will face a difficult financial ultimatum: match the price to keep their third star or risk losing a fan favorite for nothing.
