Reacting to the Brooklyn Nets’ INTEREST in Austin Reaves

Added: 2026-06-02

[00:00:00]What is going on Brooklyn Nets fans?

[00:00:01]Hello, everyone. Welcome back here into another edition of the Brooklyn boys show. I am your host Connor Long. Just wanted to hop on here quickly as I am pre-recording this on Sunday afternoon to give my thoughts on a report that has kind of made its rounds these past couple days by way of Tim Bontemps and Bobby Marks of ESPN who talked to you a flurry of league executives and compiled a list of the top free agents this summer, broke down what they think their contracts will look like, broke down teams and potential landing spots that could be in on these guys and the Brooklyn Nets were uh listed as {quote} "a potential bidder for Austin Reaves this summer." So, I want to just give my thoughts on this because this is the time of year, as you know, teams are starting to bring these guys in for not free agents, but draft prospects in for pre-draft workouts and the rumors are starting to come down on the draft front um as we get a little closer. This is the time where teams get to do a deep dive on all the free agents and it really makes its way in the media space.

[00:01:03]So, I want to give my thoughts quickly on Austin Reaves. I mean, obviously a big name. There's no doubt about that.

[00:01:09]All five of his NBA seasons coming with the Los Angeles Lakers. Last year, 51 games with the team, average 23.3 points per game, 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds on 49% shooting from the field, 36% from beyond the arc. I mean, he's a damn good player. There there's no doubt about that when you look at his production. I mean, he would add so much punch, I think is the word I'm looking for, into this Nets starting lineup. Similarly to Payton Watson, another free agent name who has been discussed a lot when it comes to his fit with the Brooklyn Nets.

[00:01:44]So, look, I think landing one of Reeves and Watson, just what they bring to this team from a pure production standpoint, one the one the what when they're on the floor, what they can offer as shooters, um as distributors, as playmakers. I think the Nets need someone like that, someone to pair with Yegor Deoman, who they obviously feel confident in being the guard of the future. But, look, I think there's more to Austin Reaves and more to that more for what the Nets will take into account this offseason if they do consider signing him than just his sheer production last season. You have to keep in mind the injuries. This guy suffered in two lower body issues last year, most notably an oblique strain, and missed a a fair amount of games last season. Like I said, only played in 51 games, and this necessarily hasn't been an issue for him throughout his NBA career. 73 the year prior, 82 in 2023-2024, uh, 64 in '22-'23, 61 his rookie campaign in '21-'22. But, these lower body issues, the oblique strains, these add up over time. And as we've seen in recent years, these can really really nag players, and they linger. And, um, look, this is something the Nets are going to have to keep in mind. And I say that more importantly because you look at the contract that he's expected to get. Uh, Bobby Marks noted in this article that several scouts and executives predict something in the range of 5 years $200 million for Reaves. And I understand the Nets have a lot of cap space.

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[00:04:20]But, at the same time, someone who doesn't necessarily have that that injury history that he brings to the table, that that lower body, um, I guess you could really say laundry line of of issues. So, this is why I'm more of a Peyton Watson guy and and look, if the Nets sign Austin Reaves, would I think that 5 years, $200 million is a little rich?

[00:04:41]Absolutely, as I just stated.

[00:04:44]But, at the same time, I'd still be looking at him as a guy who's going to offer a ton for this team when he's on the court, but again, I'm much more focused on a Peyton Watson.

[00:04:53]He has the MPJ connection. I think that makes a lot of sense there. Um, you can I wouldn't necessarily say Reaves is a consolation prize for Watson, but I I just think Peyton offers more as an overall player. I think his fit makes more sense with this team. I think he's a better three-point shooter. I mean, efficiency-wise, he was one of the best three-point shooters in the league last year, 41.1% beyond the arc, talking about Watson.

[00:05:18]So, there's no doubt that the Nets need to add a legitimate shooting guard this summer, regardless of where they go in the draft. I just prefer it to be Watson. I think he comes in with less injury concerns when it comes to long-term nagging issues, unlike Reaves.

[00:05:34]I think he's a better three-point shooter, and I think he possesses more long-term upside. Again, we're talking about a guy in Peyton Watson who is just 23 years old, who has so much room for growth, and I think over these past couple years, he's only scratched surface of what he can be. You're talking about Reeves, someone who is a bit on the older side. He's already 28 entering um this season. I don't know. I think it's going to be a lot of money for him this summer. As I continue to reiterate, the injuries are a legitimate concern for me. It's not a you know, I don't want to commit $500 million not $500 million, excuse me, $200 million over 5 years to a guy who I don't know if he could stay healthy consistently over the next few years. And he's 28. It just It doesn't mesh well for me. Um I'm firmly in the Payton Watson camp if the Nets are going to want to dish out a significant amount of money to one of these shooting guards this summer, which I certainly do think they need to, but nevertheless, it doesn't matter what I think. It matters what Sean Marks thinks. And according to Bobby Marks and Tim Bontemps of ESPN, the Nets are being listed as a potential bidder for Reeves this summer. Guys, let me know what you guys think in the chat. Appreciate you all tuning in. That'll do it for me right here on the Brooklyn Boys Show.

[00:06:50]Have a great rest your day. Have a great rest your afternoon. Have a great rest your evening, however and wherever you are watching this. And as always, go Nets, baby. Peace out.