How the Pistons Could Outflank the Lakers for Austin Reaves — Without Signing Him

When NBA free agency opens, Detroit Pistons president Trajan Langdon might not be chasing Austin Reaves with a contract offer. But that doesn’t mean the Pistons have given up on getting him.

According to league insider Marc Stein, Detroit is expected to bypass the Reaves sweepstakes in free agency and instead explore trade options that bring in a shooter — and that indirect path could still shake up the Lakers’ plans for their prized guard.

Why Detroit Might Avoid a Direct Pitch

Reaves is about to test the open market for the first time since emerging as a dependable two-way weapon for Los Angeles. The 28-year-old averaged career highs before a calf and hamstring injury limited him to just 51 games. Still, his ability to create off the dribble and defend multiple positions makes him a coveted target.

The Brooklyn Nets and Pistons are both circling, Stein reports, though neither team is a lock to make a formal push. The catch for Detroit? Bidding on Reaves could complicate upcoming extension talks with restricted free agents Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson.

“League sources say that the Pistons, meanwhile, are expected to focus on potential trade additions rather than free-agent targets when it comes to bolstering their shooting,” Stein wrote on his Substack. Detroit wants to avoid “further complicating tricky looming contract extension negotiations.”

That calculus has the front office looking at the trade market instead — a move that could ultimately force the Lakers to overpay to keep Reaves or risk losing him without getting anything back.

The Names on Detroit’s Radar

Pistons fans hoping for a Reaves-Cade Cunningham backcourt might need to settle for a different sharpshooter. Stein connects Detroit to Utah’s Lauri Markkanen, New Orleans’ Trey Murphy III, and Denver’s Michael Porter Jr. in trade rumors. Each would bring immediate floor-spacing and scoring — two things Detroit desperately lacked last season.

Meanwhile, the Lakers seem determined to hold onto Reaves. Luka Doncic has publicly stated his desire to keep playing alongside his close friend. Yet Stein notes there’s “inherent skepticism” around the league that the Lakers will be able to fend off serious suitors.

If Detroit forces L.A. into a bidding war via trade leverage or by driving up Reaves’ market value, the Pistons could still land a major backcourt upgrade — just not the one everyone expects.