Why Atlanta’s Interest in Austin Reaves Doesn’t Add Up — and What the Hawks Are Really Planning

The Atlanta Hawks have been linked to just about every available guard this offseason, but one name keeps floating around in rumor circles without much grounding in reality: Austin Reaves.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Hawks are not considered a serious threat to pry Reaves away from the Los Angeles Lakers. While Atlanta is working through its own roster decisions — including a $24.3 million team option on Jonathan Kuminga — the idea of the Hawks making a real push for Reaves has been described as unlikely by league sources.

The Lakers, for their part, have made re-signing Reaves a top priority. That hasn’t stopped the rumor mill from churning, however. Dan Woike of The Athletic reported that multiple front-office sources expect the Brooklyn Nets to offer Reaves a four-year, $178.5 million max contract. That kind of money would put most teams on notice — but Atlanta seems to be taking a different approach.

The Hawks Have Their Own Priorities

Instead of chasing a max-level guard in free agency, the Hawks appear focused on retaining CJ McCollum, according to league sources cited by Scotto. McCollum’s veteran presence and scoring ability are valued in Atlanta, and keeping him in the fold would give the team a steady hand alongside Jalen Johnson.

Beyond that, the Hawks are eyeing the draft. With the No. 8 pick in hand, Atlanta is reportedly targeting guards who could fall into the lottery range — names like Keaton Wagler, Kingston Flemings, Mikel Brown Jr., or Darius Acuff Jr. The organization wants a ball handler who can grow with Johnson long-term, without committing max money to an outside option.

That financial restraint is likely why Reaves isn’t a realistic target. Paying top dollar for a player who would be the third or fourth option in the offense doesn’t align with Atlanta’s current roster construction or salary cap flexibility.

What This Means for the Lakers and Nets

For L.A., Reaves remains a key piece of the future. The Lakers can match any offer sheet, and all signs point to them doing exactly that — even if Brooklyn pushes the price tag to the max. The Nets are clearly looking to add young talent and shake up their roster, but Atlanta doesn’t appear to be the partner that helps them drive up the price.

Unless something unexpected shifts — like a sign-and-trade or a surprise cap-clearing move — the Hawks are staying on the sidelines for this one. They have other plans, and those plans start with the draft and a trusted veteran already in the building.