Latest news with #Reaves
USA Today
10 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Lakers and Austin Reaves are both motivated to find a long-term deal
One of the issues the Los Angeles Lakers have to resolve in the immediate future is the contract status of rising guard Austin Reaves. He has a player option for the 2026-27 season that he can turn down in order to become a free agent next summer, and according to a recent report, he is expected to seek a new contract that would pay him around $30 million a year. On Thursday, it was reported that he turned down a maximum contract offer from the Lakers that would've given him $89.2 million over four seasons. But according to ESPN, both sides do want to work something out in terms of a long-term deal. "In the summer of 2026, Reaves is eligible to sign a four-year, $98 million extension, or he can opt out of the final year of his contract, become an unrestricted free agent and be eligible for 25% of the salary cap for 2026-27. The Lakers made the offer, sources said, understanding that Reaves would turn it down, but the franchise wanted to show its interest in him nonetheless and would not have wanted to send the wrong signal by not offering it. Both sides, sources said, are motivated to find a deal next summer." Reaves has increased his production in each of the last three seasons. This season, he averaged 20.2 points and 5.8 assists a game and put up even bigger numbers following the arrival of Luka Doncic. He's now considered by many to be an All-Star level player, which has, in the minds of plenty of people, given the Lakers a "Big Three" of Reaves, Doncic and LeBron James.
Fox Sports
11 hours ago
- Business
- Fox Sports
2025 NBA Offseason Buzz: Suns, Booker working toward contract extension
For 28 NBA teams, the offseason has begun, and with that comes drama and buzz about the futures of the best free-agents and potential trade targets. We've got you covered tracking all the rumors from in and around the league: June 27 Suns, Booker "active in working out" record extension The Phoenix Suns remain steadfast in building around guard Devin Booker. The 10-year veteran is coming off a 2024-25 season in which he averaged 25.6 points per game, his lowest mark since 2018, to go with a career-high 7.1 assists per game. Booker has three years remaining on a four-year, $220 million contract he signed prior to last season, but is eligible, and reportedly working toward signing a record extension, which would tack on an additional two years at $150 million ($75 million AAV) and keep him under contract in Phoenix through the 2031 season. 76ers pick up Andre Drummond's team option The Philadelphia 76ers retained backup center Andre Drummond by picking up his player option on Friday. Instead of heading into the free-agent market, Drummond will make $5 million on the final year of a two-year contract he signed prior to the 2024-25 season with the 76ers. The two-time All-Star averaged 7.3 points and 7.8 rebounds during his 13th NBA season last year. Raptors, president Masai Ujiri part ways The Raptors are moving on from Ujiri, according to ESPN. Ujiri became Toronto's executive vice president and general manager in 2013 and was the architect of the team's 2019 NBA Finals triumph, the team's lone championship. The Raptors are coming off a 30-52 season and haven't won a playoff series since the 2019-20 NBA season. June 26 Austin Reaves rejects extension offer Reaves turned down a four-year, $89.2 million extension offer from the Los Angeles Lakers, according to The Athletic. This was the maximum offer that the Lakers could make to Reaves, who signed a four-year, $53.8 million contract with the Lakers in 2023; Reaves is entering the third season of that deal, which includes a $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 NBA season. Last season, Reaves averaged a career-high 20.2 points, 5.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 46.0/37.7/87.7. The Lakers went 50-32 and claimed the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference before losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the first round of the playoffs. June 25 Knicks interviewing James Borrego New York is interviewing Borrego, the former head coach of the Charlotte Hornets and a current assistant coach for the New Orleans Pelicans, for its head-coaching vacancy, according to ESPN. Across Borrego's four seasons as its head coach (2018-19 season to 2021-22 season), Charlotte went a combined 148-183. He has been part of head coach Willie Green's coaching staff in New Orleans the past two seasons. Borrego is the fourth person who has interviewed with the Knicks, former Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown, former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins and Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori being the other three. John Collins opts into player option with Jazz John Collins has opted into his player option for the 2025-26 season instead of testing free agency. The veteran forward averaged 19 points per game and 8.2 rebounds throughout his eighth NBA season. He could have commanded a line of suitors on the open market, but it's possible no team would have offered him more than the $26.58 million he's set to make by remaining with the Utah Jazz. Fred VanVleet, Rockets agree to new deal Houston is signing VanVleet to a two-year, $50 million deal, according to ESPN. VanVleet had a $44.9 million team option in the final year of his three-year, $128.5 million deal for next season, which Houston was set to decline. The 31-year-old VanVleet averaged 14.1 points, 5.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game, while shooting 37.8/34.5/81.0 last season. The Rockets recently acquired 11-time All-NBA honoree Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns. June 24 Pelicans, Wizards make four-player trade New Orleans is trading CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk and a future second-round pick to Washington for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, according to ESPN. McCollum is entering the final season of a two-year, $64 million deal, while Poole is entering the third season of a four-year, $128 million deal. The Wizards and Pelicans each missed the playoffs last season, with Washington selecting sixth and New Orleans selecting seventh in the 2025 draft. Knicks interviewing Micah Nori for coaching vacancy New York is interviewing Nori, an assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves, for its head-coaching vacancy, according to ESPN. The 51-year-old Nori has been an assistant in Minnesota for the past four seasons, preceded by assistant coaching stints with the Detroit Pistons, Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors. Nori served as Minnesota's de facto head coach during the 2023-24 NBA postseason when head coach Chris Finch suffered a knee injury. Nori is the third known candidate to interview with the Knicks, former Kings head coach Mike Brown and former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins being the other two. June 23 Gafford intends to sign extension with Mavericks Daniel Gafford reportedly intends to sign a contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks. The center, who is set to enter his seventh NBA season, has one year remaining on a three-year, $40.1 million deal that he signed in 2023. His next deal is expected to be another three-year extension, worth $60 million, that would run through the 2028-29 season. It would be a boost in pay for Gafford after a career-best season in which he averaged 12.3 points per game and 6.8 rebounds. Middleton stays with Wizards Khris Middleton has picked up his $33.3 million player option with the Washington Wizards for the 2025-26 season, according to ESPN. The three-time NBA All-Star was traded to D.C. ahead of the NBA trade deadline by the MIlwaukee Bucks. The 33-year-old wing has been dealing with ankle injuries and only made 37 appearances last season for both teams. Middleton helped the Bucks win the 2019 NBA Finals. June 22 Durant to Rockets in megatrade Kevin Durant will join the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster trade that will see him leave the Phoenix Suns, ESPN reported Sunday . In return, the Suns will reportedly receive veteran guards Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. They'll also receive six draft picks, including the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The other five picks are second-round selections. Durant, who will be 37 at the start of next season, is entering the final season of a four-year, $194.2 million deal. June 19 Rockets extend head coach Ime Udoka Houston signed Udoka to a "long-term" extension that makes him one of the highest-paid head coaches in the NBA, according to ESPN. Earlier this month, the Rockets denied the New York Knicks permission to speak with Udoka about their head-coaching vacancy after they fired Tom Thibodeau. In Udoka's second season as head coach, the Rockets went 52-30, claiming the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference before losing to the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs. Houston is a combined 93-71 under Udoka, who was previously the head coach of the Boston Celtics in the 2021-22 NBA season, with Boston reaching the NBA Finals. June 17 Suns asking for the second pick, Stephon Castle Kevin Durant has, reportedly, made it clear that the San Antonio Spurs are his priority destination. But, he may not get his way because the Phoenix Suns' asking price of the Spurs is steep. The Suns, reportedly, want the "second pick (in the 2025 NBA Draft) and/or Stephon Castle." The Spurs would prefer to retain both those assets in any trade for Durant. June 16 Knicks not interested in acquiring Kevin Durant The Kevin Durant destination rumors have been running rampant and the New York Knicks have remained a mainstay in that conversation. They have the assets to acquire the two-time NBA Champion, and he's expressed an interest in landing there. However, the Knicks, reportedly, don't share that desire: "KD wanted the New York Knicks. He wanted to go there. The Knicks have no interest in bringing him in." June 15 Magic land G Desmond Bane from Grizzlies The first major trade of the NBA offseason has been agreed to. The Magic have acquired Bane from the Grizzlies for guards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony, along with four unprotected first-round picks and a first-round pick swap, ESPN reported. The picks Memphis is receiving are the No. 16 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns' 2026 first-round pick in 2026, Orlando's 2028 unprotected first-round pick and Orlando's 2030 first-round pick. The pick swap is a lightly protected first-round pick in 2029, according to ESPN. Bane, who'll turn 27 later in June, has been a big reason why the Grizzlies have made the playoffs in three of the last four seasons. The 2020 first-round pick has averaged 20.2 points per game in that stretch, including 19.2 points per game this past season. He's also been among the game's top 3-point shooters over that time, making 40.7% of his attempts from deep since the start of the 2021-22 season. The Magic will hope that Bane will provide the necessary scoring and shooting the team needs alongside emerging star wings Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. While both players averaged over 24 points per game in 2024-25, they both shot 32% or lower from 3-point range, which is considered well below average. Orlando's offense wasn't great as a result, ranking 27th in offensive rating (108.9) en route to a 41-41 regular season. The Magic got the No. 7 seed in the East through the play-in tournament, but lost to the Boston Celtics in five games in the first round. As for the Grizzlies, the trade marks the first big shake-up to their core in recent years. Memphis earned the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. However, it never made it past the second round of the playoffs in either season. It missed the playoffs in 2023-24 as Ja Morant missed most of the year due to injuries and a suspension. It got the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference this past season, getting swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. The Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins just weeks before the start of the playoffs. June 14 Kevin Durant's preferred destinations revealed The disgruntled Suns star prefers to be traded to the Houston Rockets or the San Antonio Spurs, according to a report from The Athletic. The Spurs and Houston Rockets have previously been linked to Durant, in addition to the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks. The 11-time All-NBA honoree, who will be 37 at the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, is entering the final season of a four-year, $194.2 million deal. Last season, Durant averaged 26.6 points per game, while shooting 52.7/43.0/83.9. He was limited to 62 games due to calf and ankle injuries. It became clear toward the end of the 2025 NBA regular season that Kevin Durant's time in Phoenix would come to an end with the close of the regular season. The Suns have reportedly placed a loose deadline on when they will move Durant. The Suns are aiming to trade Durant before the NBA Draft on June 25. Rockets extend Steven Adams Houston signed Adams to a three-year, $39 million extension, ESPN reported. Adams, who will be 32 at the start of next season, averaged 3.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per game this year in his first healthy season with the Rockets. June 13 Knicks set to interview coaching candidates New York will interview Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown for its head-coaching vacancy next week, per The Athletic. Both coaches were fired by their respective teams during the regular season; Jenkins was fired by the Grizzlies, and Brown was fired by the Sacramento Kings. Across Jenkins' six seasons as the Grizzlies' head coach, the team went a combined 250-214, making the playoffs four times, counting this season. Should he be hired by New York, it would be Jenkins' second NBA head-coaching stint. Across Brown's three seasons as the Kings' head coach, the team went a combined 107-88, winning 46-plus games in each of the first two seasons, with the franchise making the playoffs for the first time in 17 years in Brown's first season on the job (2022-23 season). Should he be hired by New York, it'd be Brown's fifth NBA head-coaching stint. New York's request to interview Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd about its vacant head-coaching position was rejected, ESPN reported on June 11. The Knicks also were denied permission to speak with Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch and Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, SNY reported. New York fired Tom Thibodeau after losing to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Russell Westbrook to decline option, become free agent Westbrook will decline his $3.4 million player option with the Denver Nuggets for the 2025-2026 season, per ESPN. Westbrook is recovering from hand surgery to repair multiple fractures sustained during the season, but in the past those types of injuries have cost him 14 and 12 games in a season, respectively, so the expectation is that he'd be ready to go well before training camp in the fall. The veteran guard averaged 13.3 points and 6.1 assists while shooting nearly 52% on 2-point attempts in 75 games for the Nuggets. June 12 Spurs, 76ers discussing first-round pick swap Per multiple reports, Philadelphia has discussed moving up in the draft from No. 3 to No. 2 with San Antonio. The Spurs already have a full backcourt — which is where the presumed second-overall selection, Rutgers' Dylan Harper, would end up — while the Sixers are looking to add to their own backcourt that already includes Tyrese Maxey. Whether the Spurs would actually look for a deal that would net them some additional draft assets to make up for the gap between the second and third picks is unknown, but the two teams have at least discussed the swap. June 11 Heat and Tyler Herro working toward extension The Heat and Herro seem to be on the same page as the two sides work toward an extension. Herro is entering the penultimate year of his prior deal, in which he's set to be paid $31 million in 2025-26 and $33 million in 2026-27. The extension he and the Heat are eyeing is reportedly a three-year deal, worth $149.7 million ($49.9 million AAV). The potential raise is warranted for Herro, who's coming off a 2024-25 season in which he posted career-bests in points (23.9 per game) and assists (5.5) and earned his first All-Star nod. June 2 Raptors eyeing offseason shake-up — is Giannis Antetokounmpo on the table? After three consecutive playoff-less seasons, Toronto is looking to make changes. On Sunday, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on "The Hoop Collective" that the Raptors will try to acquire a "big fish" this offseason. There are a few big fish that could be available — Durant, who's expressed a desire to leave Phoenix — comes to mind. The Raptors, though, could also try to lure Antetokounmpo, which would be like reeling in a great white shark. Toronto has accumulated players with the salaries needed to build a package for a move like this — trading for and extending Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. Realistically, if Antetokounmpo is on the table, nobody should be off limits for Toronto, including young star Scottie Barnes. It would make sense for Antetokounmpo, too, because, while he hasn't formally asked to be traded away from Milwaukee, he's expressed a desire to stay in a much weaker Eastern Conference. According to an ESPN report from May, the two-time MVP said he's "open-minded about exploring whether his best long-term fit is remaining in Milwaukee or playing elsewhere." Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience National Basketball Association recommended Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Austin Reaves has turned down max contract extension offer from Lakers
Some people think the Los Angeles Lakers should or even need to trade emerging guard Austin Reaves this summer in order to become legitimate championship contenders next season. But it has seemed as if the Lakers would like to keep Reaves, and Reaves has said he wants to be a Laker for life. However, the path to him being a Laker for life has gotten more complicated. He has a player option for the 2026-27 season that he can turn down in order to become a free agent next offseason. Perhaps that is the path he is on, as he reportedly turned down a maximum contract extension offer from the team. Via The Athletic: "League sources told The Athletic that Reaves formally declined a max extension with the Lakers this week that would've paid him $89.2 million over the next four seasons," wrote Dan Woike. "He's about to start the third year of a four-year, $54 million contract he signed as a restricted free agent in 2023 — also the max number he could receive from the Lakers at the time. "He can opt out of that deal and become an unrestricted free agent next summer, when he's expected to command significantly more than the most lucrative extension the Lakers were allowed to offer this summer." Fortunately, Reaves declining that extension doesn't necessarily mean he's considering leaving the Purple and Gold. "The decision, league sources said, wasn't a reflection of Reaves and the Lakers' relationship. Instead, it's almost a foregone conclusion considering the limitations placed on the amount the Lakers were allowed to offer this week. "Reaves' upcoming potential free agency meant his name was floating in and out of rumors on the first day of the NBA Draft. The Lakers have never shown interest in trading Reaves and continue to hold him in high value." Reaves, who went undrafted in 2021 out of the University of Oklahoma, averaged 20.2 points and 5.8 assists a game and arguably played at an All-Star level, which led people to say the Lakers now had a "Big Three" of Reaves, LeBron James and Luka Doncic. The Lakers have steadfastly refused to include Reaves in any trade discussions over the last year or two.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves rejects $89.2M extension to bet on bigger payday
Image viaAustin Reaves might've walked away from nearly $90 million, but it's not because he's eyeing a Lakers exit. The 27-year-old guard, fresh off a career-best season, declined a four-year, $89.2 million max extension from the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. Instead of locking into a long-term deal now, Reaves is playing the long game—one that could land him an even bigger payday in the near future. But make no mistake: his heart, as he insists, is still in L.A. Austin Reaves turns down $89.2M to stay committed to his Los Angeles Lakers future Austin Reaves , who has one guaranteed year left on his current contract and a player option for 2026–27, is strategically keeping his options open. By declining the extension, he positions himself to enter unrestricted free agency in a couple of years and possibly secure a more lucrative deal—especially if his on-court trajectory continues upward. While the move sparked speculation about a possible departure, Reaves made it clear earlier this month that he's not looking to jump ship. Speaking at the Reaves Brothers Basketball Camp, he addressed the buzz head-on. 'I want to be in L.A.,' Reaves said. 'If they want to trade me, then we'll start something new somewhere else. But like I said, I want to be in L.A. I want to play my whole career in L.A.' He continued, 'I love it there. I love the fans. Love the weather, love the golf. And obviously, the Lakers is the best organization in basketball. I don't pay attention to [the noise]. I keep my head down, work, and I feel like that's one of the reasons I'm where I'm at.' Reaves' breakout year in 2024–25 supports that confidence. He averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, hitting 46% from the field and 38% from three-point range. His steady rise culminated in becoming one of just 10 players in Lakers history to average at least 20 points and five assists in a season. Also Read: LeBron James confirms return for 23rd season shaking up Los Angeles Lakers rebuild and NBA future Reaves' decision to wait isn't about uncertainty—it's about value. The former undrafted guard out of Oklahoma already made waves by signing a four-year, \$54 million deal in 2023. Now, after proving he belongs among L.A.'s elite, he's simply letting his game dictate his future price tag. As long as the Lakers want him, it's clear: Reaves wants to stay right where he is. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
New York Post
2 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Austin Reaves turns down Lakers max extension in stunning move
The Lakers are generating buzz after the record sale of majority stake in the team for $10 billion last week. And now there's some roster news making waves. Advertisement Lakers guard Austin Reaves declined a max extension — worth $89.2 million over the next four seasons — with the team earlier this week, The Athletic reported Thursday. Reaves reportedly told the Lakers he thought it was best to wait and the decision wasn't rooted in animosity. His decision stemmed from the limitations placed on the amount the Lakers could offer this week, league sources told The Athletic. 4 Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against Minnesota Timberwolves during Game 5 of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Arena on April 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images Advertisement Reaves is entering the third year of a four-year, $54 million contract he signed with the Lakers as a restricted free agent in 2023. He can opt out of that deal and become an unrestricted free agent next summer, when he will be expecting a lucrative payday. The Lakers reportedly value Reaves as a key piece alongside superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, and haven't shown interest in trading him. Advertisement This news came a day after Lakers owners Jeanie Buss confirmed the sale of the team to businessman Mark Walter — who has been a minority owner of the Lakers since 2021. 4 Lakers guard Austin Reaves, left, shoots as Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert defends during Game 5 of the first-round playoff series Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Los Angeles. AP Nonetheless, she is still expected to remain governor of the franchise and continue to oversee all team operations on a day-to-day basis for the foreseeable future. Buss said the ownership is expected to close in the third or fourth quarter (July-December) of 2025. Advertisement 4 Luka Doncic #77, LeBron James #23 and Austin Reaves #15 of the Lakers during the game against the Timberwolves in Round 1 Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2025 at Arena in Los Angeles, California. NBAE via Getty Images After securing the No. 3 seed in the West, the Lakers' season ended at the hands of the Timberwolves in five games in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. Minnesota defeated Los Angeles in Game 5, 103-96. Reaves — who averaged a career high 20.2 points per game during the regular season — was limited in the series due to a toe injury. James, who suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee in the season-ending loss, is expected to reveal his decision about his playing future this week. 4 Lakers GM Rob Pelinka in August 2024. Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images The four-time NBA champ has a $52.6 million player option with a June 29 deadline to decide whether to return to the Lakers for the 2025-26 season. Advertisement During an appearance on 'The Pat McAfee Show' Thursday, ESPN's Shams Charania said, 'It still is likely James will opt in' to his player option. James, 40, previously said he would discuss his NBA future with his family after completing his 22nd season.
