Austin Reaves is expected to be one of the top available players on the open market this offseason when free agency opens, assuming he declines his $13.4 million player option of course.
The Detroit Pistons have made it clear they're looking to make a splash this offseason to find Cade Cunningham some help, and with their reported interest in Reaves, it feels like what was considered a pipe dream at first is now a legitimate scenario to monitor.
According to Lakers' insider Dan Woike of The Athletic, the Pistons have shown interest in the star guard ahead of free agency, which only confirms that Trajan Langdon means business this offseason.
Pistons among teams who could pursue Austin Reaves
Reaves is reportedly seeking a massive payday, with all reports suggesting that the standout guard is eyeing a five-year, $241 million extension to return to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Obviously, the Lakers would prefer to retain their former undrafted gem, especially under the pressure from Luka Doncic to bring Reaves back, but given the projected extension, it's hard to grasp how serious the Lakers are about making that kind of financial commitment to a borderline All-Star.
If the Lakers aren't willing to meet Reaves' asking price, it's clear that the playmaker could turn to the open market to cash in on the big contract he's seeking.
The Brooklyn Nets are widely regarded as a team to monitor for Reaves, as Woike mentions, suggesting Sean Marks could be willing to offer a four-year, $178.5 million deal.
Beyond the Nets, the Pistons were name-dropped as a team that could open up space to pursue the 28-year-old star.
"League sources said the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks are among a group of interested teams that can create space to make competitive offers," Woike reported.
Averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds on 49% shooting from field goal range and 36% from three as arguably the third option in LA speaks volumes to how good a player he could be in a larger role, one that any of the teams mentioned above could offer him.
Pistons could offer Reaves a chance to contend & the payday he's seeking
Obviously, for Detroit to pursue Reaves, it would require the team to make some space with additional moves, but given the expendable contracts on the roster, that's more than feasible.
The Pistons are coming off a dominant regular season that crowned them the top seed in the Eastern Conference, and with the right moves, there's no reason why they can't find the same success next season and take a step forward, especially if they land the Lakers star.
Reaves has made it clear in the past that he has no desire to land in a rebuilding situation just to chase an All-Star team, and that feels like the exact situation the Nets would offer.
Any move for Reaves depends on what happens in contract negotiations with the Lakers, as that will likely be his preferred landing spot.
If things go south, the Pistons could be in the perfect position to lure in a big fish.
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