Reaves is not renewing with the Lakers

O Austin Reeves of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe White of the Chicago Bulls decided not to extend their contracts.

According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the likelihood that Reaves will now sign a new deal with the Lakers is nil, and it is almost certain that he will opt out of his $14.8 million player option for next year.

The 26-year-old guard has developed into a key player, but NBA rules allow for a raise of just 140% of his current salary in case of extension. That would cap his new deal at about $89 million over four years, amount lower than the value it is expected to have in the open market.

The situation is similar for Kobe White, who this year receives $12.8 million. The dynamic guard has exceeded all expectations, but his own potential extension could be as little as 18 million per year. Well below the sums he will likely be offered in the summer, as is the case with Reaves.

Both players appear to be following the same path and waiting for the market to reward their progress and consistency with bigger contracts.