The Chicago Bulls have spent years mired in mediocrity, but heading into the 2026 NBA offseason, the franchise is signaling a clear intent to break the cycle. In a bold first move, the team has parted ways with longtime head coach Billy Donovan, clearing the path for a fresh voice on the sidelines and a more aggressive roster-building strategy. Among the top targets emerging in early speculation: Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves.
Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes recently identified the Bulls as one of the teams poised to pursue Reaves when free agency opens. Alongside the Brooklyn Nets and Reaves’ current team in Los Angeles, Chicago is expected to be in the mix for the dynamic guard who just delivered a career-high scoring season.
A Proven Scorer Ready for a Bigger Stage?
Reaves appeared in 51 games during the 2025-26 season and posted career-best numbers, benefiting from playing alongside superstars Luka Dončić and LeBron James. That environment reduced defensive attention and offensive pressure, allowing him to thrive as a complementary piece. Hughes, however, offered a measured warning to potential suitors:
“Potential suitors will include the Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls and Reaves’ own Los Angeles Lakers. All three should be wary of viewing this year’s 51-game sample as a production baseline going forward.”
The concern is valid. Reaves has never been asked to shoulder the load as a true No. 1 option. His efficiency and decision-making could look very different under heavier usage in a new system. Still, for a Bulls team desperate for shot creation and secondary playmaking, his skill set — smooth scoring off the dribble, deep range, and basketball IQ — represents an enticing upgrade.
The Financial Reality: Can Chicago Compete?
Money will be the ultimate deciding factor. The Lakers hold a significant advantage, with the ability to offer Reaves a five-year, $241 million maximum extension. Reports from Jovan Buha suggest Los Angeles is preparing a five-year, $210 million deal to keep their guard in purple and gold.
Chicago’s best offer sits at a four-year, $179 million contract — still life-changing money, but noticeably less than what the Lakers can provide. In today’s NBA, where player loyalty and winning situations often outweigh raw dollars, the Bulls would need to sell Reaves on a clearer path to being the focal point of an offense and a faster timeline for contention.
What It Would Mean for Both Sides
For the Bulls, landing Reaves would inject instant talent and excitement into a roster that has lacked a true perimeter star. Pairing him with their existing core in a revamped system under a new coach could finally push Chicago out of the middle-of-the-pack limbo they’ve occupied for too long.
For the Lakers, losing Reaves would sting. He has become a fan favorite and a key piece of their recent contention window. His departure would force Los Angeles to either pivot aggressively in free agency or lean even more heavily on their aging superstars.
While the expectation remains that Reaves will stay with the Lakers, the mere possibility of a Bulls pursuit adds intrigue to what is shaping up as one of the more fascinating offseasons in recent memory. Chicago has flipped the switch. A $179 million playmaker may be coming to the Windy City — and for the Lakers, that nightmare now has a name: Austin Reaves