The San Antonio Spurs are among several teams keeping a close watch on Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves as his NBA future remains uncertain, ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin reported. Reaves, who declined a four-year, $89 million extension from the Lakers this summer, could emerge as one of the most sought-after unrestricted free agents in 2026.
“If/when Reaves opts out of his current contract, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent with plenty of interest,” Irwin wrote. “League sources say the San Antonio Spurs and other teams are monitoring Reaves’ free agency closely.”
Backcourt Logjam Could Complicate Move
Getty Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs.
San Antonio already boasts a loaded backcourt featuring All-Star De’Aaron Fox, last season’s Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, and 2025 No. 2 pick Dylan Harper. Adding Reaves could bolster the team’s championship aspirations, but it also raises the question of playing time distribution and potential trades to make room for ball-handlers.
With 7-foot-5 French phenom Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs have a franchise cornerstone. Pairing Wembanyama with Reaves and Fox would give them an elite inside-outside partner to complement the French unicorn’s game. Wembanyama’s floor-spacing and shot-blocking could pair well with Reaves and Fox’s slashing and playmaking skills, potentially forming a dynamic trio that would accelerate San Antonio’s rise in the Western Conference.
High Stakes for Reaves in 2026
Reaves is expected to seek a max-level contract next summer, aiming for a salary comparable to Miami Heat All-Star Tyler Herro, according to NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin. Herro, drafted 13th overall in 2019, signed a four-year, $130 million extension in 2022 and has blossomed into the team’s leading scorer and playmaker. Reaves, two years older, could follow a similar trajectory if placed in the right system.
“If Reaves opts out of the final year of his contract, he could command a starting salary around $42.5 million under a max contract,” ESPN’s Bobby Marks wrote in June.
“In all likelihood, Reaves will turn down his player option after this season and could command $30 to $35 million per year,” Irwin added.
Reaves, who previously signed a four-year, $54 million contract in 2023, was on San Antonio’s radar even before re-signing with the Lakers. Jovan Buha, formerly of The Athletic, reported that time that the Spurs explored two offer sheets for Reaves—one a four-year, $100 million max deal and another a three-year, $60 million deal—though neither came to fruition.
Rebounding From Playoff Disappointment
Getty Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers vows to be better.
Reaves is motivated to rebound from a subpar postseason performance. In the Lakers’ first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, he averaged 16.2 points on 41.1% shooting, including 31.9% from three-point range, with 3.6 assists and 2.8 turnovers. That marked a decline from his regular-season performance, when he averaged a career-best 20.2 points on 46% shooting, 37.7% from beyond the arc, with 4.8 assists against 2.2 turnovers.
“Just play better,” Reaves said after the playoff exit. “I feel like I’m talented enough to do that. I’ve proved it throughout my life and I’ll continue to do it next year.”
Whether the Spurs move aggressively will depend on Reaves’ performance alongside Luka Dončić in Los Angeles and the Lakers’ championship plans. But for San Antonio, the chance to pair Reaves with Wembanyama represents a high-reward opportunity to accelerate their rebuild and contend sooner than expected.
Spurs Target $54M Rising Star to Join Wembanyama, Fox