The Chicago Bulls have cap space, but they may want to cross Austin Reaves off the target list. The latest intel from Lakers reporter Jovan Buha suggests Austin Reaves is a franchise cornerstone, and that he is the team’s priority over re-signing LeBron James. The price is expected to be in the $40 million per season range, but the Lakers might be just fine with that.
It was always going to be an uphill battle to convince Reaves to come to Chicago. The 28-year-old will decline a $14.9 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent. The Lakers, Bulls, and Nets all project to have cap space, but AR’s market won’t be limited to those teams. He had a star breakout this season and is in the middle of his prime. There will be plenty of interest, but Reaves wants to be in Los Angeles.
Buha reported the feeling is mutual, which makes him a near lock to return to the Lakers. Reaves wants to play for a contender and has a close relationship with Luka Doncic. All those factors make it feel like the Bulls are completely out of the bidding before it even began.
Bulls have virtually no shot at signing Austin Reaves in free agency after the latest intel
Chicago has $95.3 million committed to ten players for next season. The salary cap is projected to be at $165 million. With the Bulls finally entering a rebuild, they can go in any direction to build out their roster. Getting a number one option might have been intriguing, but the Bulls should pivot to acquiring undervalued role players like Sandro Mamukelashvili.
It is finally time to slow-play a rebuild. Matas Buzelis has untapped potential. Chicago will get a franchise-altering prospect with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Most believe Caleb Wilson will end up on the Bulls, and they also have the 15th, 38th, and 56th overall picks. That should be the franchise’s focus. Developing young talent and slowly building a sustainable contender.
Reaves figures to be Luka’s co-star on the Lakers for years to come. Paying him $200 million over the next five years could be too much. Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 34.5 minutes per game this season, but only appeared in 51 games. They need him to stay healthy and, more importantly, prove that it was no small sample size fluke.
Any team chasing him in free agency is limited to a four-year contract worth $178.5 million. His desire to remain in LA makes taking the extra year and dollars an absolute no-brainer.
The Chicago Bulls should be looking to make smart investments to build out their roster. They don’t need a star player yet. The Bulls want role players to enhance their young talent. Development should be Chicago’s focus next season, not wins. It is why they have no shot at landing Austin Reaves in free agency. Expect the Bulls to make moves. Sadly, it just won't be a marquee splash that gets the entire NBA buzzing.
Add us as a preferred source on Google