There seems to be a quiet confidence that Austin Reaves, who is expected to opt out of his contract this summer, will agree to a new contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, it isn’t exactly a foregone conclusion that he will remain with the Purple and Gold.
He is eligible for a max contract that would pay him as much as $239 million over five years to stay put. Many believe he isn’t quite worth that much money, even after averaging 23.3 points and 5.5 assists a game this season and becoming a legitimate All-Star candidate.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype wrote in a recent article that if Los Angeles makes the guard an offer he or his representation considers too low, he could end up leaving.
“Ultimately, there’s a strong belief within league circles that if the Lakers offer Reaves close to or the full max, he’ll stay in Los Angeles,” Scotto wrote. “However, if the Lakers submit a low-ball offer, Reaves will consider other offers, and the possibility of a sign-and-trade could also emerge.”
Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times recently said on Spectrum SportsNet that Reaves is seeking a max contract. Teams such as the Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks could reportedly make a run at him as well.
There are those who feel the Lakers would be better off executing a sign-and-trade involving Reaves because of his lack of athleticism and defense. But a team source said that the concerns about the 28-year-old’s defensive shortcomings are “overstated.”
Reaves has made it clear multiple times that his preference is to remain with the Lakers.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Report: Austin Reaves could leave Lakers if contract offer is too low
