Nets Urged to “Throw All the Money” at Austin Reaves to Steal Him From Lakers

The Brooklyn Nets are preparing to be one of the most aggressive spenders in next summer’s free-agency market, and one target is already generating strong buzz: Austin Reaves.

After two seasons focused on rebuilding, Brooklyn expects to accelerate its timeline in 2026–27 — and one Eastern Conference executive believes Reaves should be their No. 1 priority.

Speaking with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the executive didn’t hold back:

“AR’s a stud. If I were the Brooklyn Nets, I would throw all the money at him. He has shown when he gets the keys to the engine, he can produce.”

Reaves has become one of the biggest early-season stories in the NBA. With LeBron James and Luka Dončić missing time due to injuries, the 27-year-old guard has stepped into a massive offensive role — and delivered. He’s averaging 28.3 points and 8.3 assists, shooting 47% from the field through nine games.

His production includes a staggering 51-point performance against the Sacramento Kings, followed by 41 points versus the Portland Trail Blazers.

Could Brooklyn Realistically Pursue Reaves?

Reaves will enter the summer as an unrestricted free agent and is eligible for a five-year, $241 million contract if he re-signs with the Lakers, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Other teams — including the Nets, Bulls, Jazz, and Wizards — can offer up to four years, $178.5 million.

Brooklyn has over $40 million in projected cap space, and could create even more depending on their decisions regarding team options for Day’Ron Sharpe and Ziaire Williams. Sharpe shares the same agent as Reaves — Aaron Riley (AMR Agency) — which could naturally help negotiations.

For the Nets, who owe an unprotected 2027 pick swap to Houston, the incentive to improve quickly is massive. Reaves would give them a high-usage creator, elite pick-and-roll guard, and a potential face of the franchise in one of the league’s most high-profile markets.

Brooklyn’s Path and What Comes Next

With a 1–10 start, Brooklyn is on track to secure a premium pick in the loaded 2026 NBA Draft. Their selection next June — paired with a possible run at Reaves — could dramatically reshape the franchise’s timeline.

Meanwhile, the Lakers are expected to do everything possible to keep Reaves, especially amid his breakout season and strong chemistry with Dončić and (soon-to-return) LeBron James.

But the message around the league is clear:

If the Nets want to steal a star, Austin Reaves is the one to chase.