NBA Free Agency: Can Magic Make Push For Lakers' Austin Reaves?
Among the biggest breakout stars this NBA season was a player that went undrafted nearly 24 months ago.
After failing to hear his name called from NBA commissioner Adam Silver, Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves worked his way from a two-way contract to an instrumental part of his team's deep playoff run.
And now the 24-year-old could be due up for a major payday this offseason.
Raking in just $1.5 million this season, Reaves has started all 10 of Los Angeles' playoff games this season and will certainly demand more than his $2.1 million qualifying offer suggests.
"But teams with cap room can offer a much larger four-year deal that could reach as high as $98.7 million," Bleacher Report writes. "The Lakers would only owe Reaves about $12 million per season for the first two years, jumping to $37-39 million over the final two.
After missing 15 consecutive games with a hamstring injury, Reaves averaging 17.6 points following the All Star Break and helped propel the Lakers into a playoff berth.
And since the postseason began, the former Oklahoma star has taken it to another level - posting double-digit points in all but one game.
"Others who could look to do the same include the Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers," Bleacher Report writes. "At 6'5", Reaves is capable both on the ball as a lead guard and off the ball as a shooter. Expect him back with L.A. next season, but another team could make the process more difficult and expensive."
Orlando will have anywhere between $19 to $58 million in cap space this upcoming offseason depending on who it retains in free agency.
You can follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Magic? Click Here.
Follow The Magic Insider on Facebook.
Follow The Magic Insider on Twitter.
Want even more Orlando Magic news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
