Chicago now has virtually no realistic path to sign Austin Reaves after new reporting cast the 28-year-old as a Lakers cornerstone and priority even ahead of re-signing LeBron James.
A deal around $40 million per season is seen as acceptable for Los Angeles, and Reaves is expected to decline his $14.9 million player option to enter free agency.
Reaves wants to stay in Los Angeles, prefers playing for a contender and has a close relationship with Luka Doncic, making a Lakers return the overwhelming expectation despite wider league interest.
Chicago still projects cap space — with $95.3 million committed to 10 players against a projected $165 million cap — but the report suggests the Bulls should focus on their rebuild instead of a marquee chase.
That leaves the Bulls centered on youth development and the 2026 draft, where they hold the No. 4 pick plus Nos. 15, 38 and 56.