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5 Teams Austin Reaves Can Sign After Declining Lakers’ $14.9 Million Player Option to Test Free Agency


LA Lakers star Austin Reaves will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason after declining his $14.9 million player option.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin and Tim Bontemps on Tuesday, Reaves declined the final season of his contract to enter free agency. It has long been expected that the 6-foot-5 guard will decline his player option to sign a bigger contract.

Reaves is eligible for a five-year, $241 million maximum contract with the Lakers. Other teams could reportedly offer up to four-years and $179 million.

This season, Reaves has emerged as a bona fide star next to Luka Doncic and LeBron James. In 49 games, he is averaging 23.5 points, 5.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds on 49.1% shooting, including 36.1% from 3-point range.

Reaves’ free agency would certainly generate buzz. Here are five teams that could pursue him.

Five teams that could be interested in signing Austin Reaves

#1 Milwaukee Bucks

NBA: Milwaukee Bucks at Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Imagn
NBA: Milwaukee Bucks at Los Angeles Lakers – Source: Imagn

The biggest question for the Milwaukee Bucks heading into the offseason is the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo. If the two-time NBA MVP decides to stay with the team, the Bucks need to have another star. Reaves fits the bill that Milwaukee should be looking for: a proven multi-level offensive threat who can also facilitate.

#2 Detroit Pistons

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Detroit Pistons - Source: Imagn
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Detroit Pistons – Source: Imagn

The Detroit Pistons have been the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 team throughout the season. Adding Reaves would increase Detroit’s chances in the conference. He brings valuable playoff experience to a young core headed by All-Stars Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren.

#3 Dallas Mavericks

NBA: Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Imagn
NBA: Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers – Source: Imagn

The Dallas Mavericks have had a forgettable 2025-26 season, but they will have one-time NBA champion Kyrie Irving returning next year. They could be looking to add some notable pieces in the offseason. Reaves could be an ideal fit in Dallas’ starting lineup that also features 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg.

#4 Houston Rockets

Los Angeles Lakers v Houston Rockets - Source: Getty
Los Angeles Lakers v Houston Rockets – Source: Getty

The Houston Rockets have been one of the top teams in the Western Conference this season. They added Kevin Durant last offseason and could be looking for more firepower.

Reaves could serve as the second or third scoring option behind Durant and Alperen Sengun. Players like Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. could help compensate for Reaves’ average defense.

#5 San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs v Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Getty
San Antonio Spurs v Los Angeles Lakers – Source: Getty

NBA insider Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints reported in September that the San Antonio Spurs were “keeping a close eye on Reaves’ free agency.” The Spurs already have a loaded backcourt in De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper. In addition, San Antonio has been among the best teams in the NBA this season.

However, Reaves is a polished scorer with an ability to organize the offense. He would provide a veteran presence and could help stabilize the young core headlined by Victor Wembanyama.