Austin Reaves has been sidelined with a calf injury, but his breakout season with the Los Angeles Lakers continues to draw attention around the league. One NBA insider believes a surprising team could emerge as a serious suitor this summer.
Kevin O’Connor Highlights Utah Jazz’s Interest in Austin Reaves
Reaves is in the midst of a career year, averaging 26.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists across 23 games.
Alongside LeBron James and Luka Dončić, the former undrafted guard has become a primary offensive engine for the Lakers, shouldering a significant scoring and playmaking load.
On the latest episode of “The Kevin O’Connor Show,” NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor suggested that the Utah Jazz could be one of the teams most interested in pursuing Reaves once he reaches free agency.
“I think the Utah Jazz are going to be a team that has big interest in Austin Reaves this summer,” O’Connor said. “There are going to be teams that make a big max offer for Reaves, and he’s going to have that choice. So the Lakers — like, Rich Paul’s not saying it — but I’m sure Rich Paul has that same exact information about where Reaves could go this offseason.”
The Utah Jazz are expected to have “big interest” in Austin Reaves this summer, per @KevinOConnor
“There are going to be teams that make a big max offer for Reaves, and he’s going to have that choice. So the Lakers—like, Rich Paul’s not saying it—but I’m sure Rich Paul has that… pic.twitter.com/TN0bix7pHx
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) January 17, 2026
Reaves’ future has become a growing talking point following comments from LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, who recently floated the idea of trading Reaves on his new podcast, “Game Over.”
Paul suggested a hypothetical straight-up swap for Memphis Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr., a remark that reportedly frustrated some within the Lakers organization. While no deal materialized, it reignited speculation about Reaves’ long-term place in Los Angeles.
No Talks of a Trade from Lakers or Reaves
Trade speculation around Reaves is growing, but the 27-year-old guard has shown no indication of leaving the Lakers so far.
Currently, Reaves is playing under a four-year, $53.8 million contract that runs through the 2025-26 season. He holds a $14.9 million player option for next year, which he is widely expected to decline. Reaves previously turned down a four-year, $89.2 million extension in the 2025 offseason, positioning himself for a significantly larger payday.
As an unrestricted free agent, Reaves would be eligible to sign a five-year deal worth up to $241 million with the Lakers. However, teams like the Jazz, which possess cap flexibility and expiring contracts, could attempt to lure him away with a massive offer and a featured offensive role.
That said, Utah remains in a rebuilding phase near the bottom of the standings, but Reaves’ scoring ability, floor spacing, and shot creation would immediately elevate its backcourt.
For the Lakers, the looming decision represents a major crossroads: whether to commit long-term money to a rising star or risk losing a core piece to a cap-rich rival.
