Austin Reaves is shaping up to be one of the most sought-after free agents in the summer of 2026. While fans in Los Angeles might be on edge, there's no real reason to hit the panic button just yet. A familiar contender, the Utah Jazz, has emerged as a potential suitor for the Lakers' star guard.
Eric Pincus from Bleacher Report recently discussed Reaves' upcoming free agency on Buha's Block, highlighting the Jazz as a team with interest in Reaves. "I’ve heard that the Utah Jazz like Austin Reaves," Pincus mentioned. "I don’t think that’s a shock, but I’ve heard that that’s one of the teams that’s interested."
This rumor is intriguing, especially considering the Jazz's recent moves at the trade deadline. By acquiring Jaren Jackson Jr., they significantly impacted their cap space, which could have been used to pursue Reaves. Jackson's hefty $49 million salary for the 2026-27 season complicates Utah's financial flexibility.
With max deals already in place for Jackson and Lauri Markkanen, the Jazz have limited room to maneuver. They also need to handle Walker Kessler's restricted free agency, which could see the Lakers attempting to turn the tables by targeting Kessler themselves.
Moreover, the Jazz have another priority in Keyonte George, who, after a stellar 2025-26 season averaging 23.8 points per game, is due for a substantial rookie extension. Balancing all these financial commitments makes a max offer for Reaves unlikely.
For the Lakers, Reaves remains a cornerstone of their future plans. They can offer him not only a lucrative deal but also a prominent role alongside Luka Doncic, with whom Reaves has developed a strong rapport. The Jazz's financial constraints and roster priorities mean they might not pose a significant threat to the Lakers' intentions to retain Reaves.