NBA Notes: Spurs, Victor Wembanyama, Lakers, Austin Reaves, Nets

Spurs

Spurs center Victor Wembanyama hasn’t signed his rookie extension yet, and there’s suddenly an interesting reason why.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, there has been chatter around the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas that Wembanyama may be willing to sign for less than the maximum salary in an effort to give San Antonio more long-term roster flexibility.

That’s no small thing.

Wembanyama is eligible for a five-year extension worth as much as about $252 million, with the potential to push past $300 million if he qualifies for the Rose Rule by earning another All-NBA selection, MVP or Defensive Player of the Year honors next season.

Instead, Fischer reported there’s at least some belief the reigning Defensive Player of the Year could follow a path similar to Knicks star Jalen Brunson, who accepted a more team-friendly contract that allowed New York to keep building around him.

Nothing has been decided, and the players’ union has historically preferred its biggest stars to maximize their earnings. Still, Wembanyama added fuel to the speculation with a simple social media message:

“Spurs family, I’m here to stay. Whatever it takes.”

If he truly is willing to sacrifice salary, San Antonio would have even more flexibility to keep its young core together for years to come.

Lakers

Austin Reaves admitted he was disappointed when LeBron James told the Lakers he wouldn’t be returning.

Reaves told The California Post that he texted James after hearing the news.

“I told him I was having a great day on the golf course until he ruined it,” Reaves joked.

The two spent five seasons together in Los Angeles, and Reaves said James played a major role in his development.

“I don’t have enough time to explain how much he means to me and my career and what he’s done for me,” Reaves said.

James remains an unrestricted free agent, with the Cavaliers, Warriors, Heat, Nuggets, Timberwolves and 76ers continuing to be mentioned as possible destinations.

Nets

The Nets have waived guard Malachi Smith, moving on from the 26-year-old after exercising his non-guaranteed team option earlier this offseason, per Brian Lewis of the New York Post.

Smith appeared in 15 games for Brooklyn late last season, averaging 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting nearly 49 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from beyond the arc.

The former Gonzaga guard also enjoyed a strong year in the G League, averaging 15.9 points, 7.0 assists and 5.1 rebounds.

If Smith clears waivers, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent. Because he has only one year of NBA service, he’ll also remain eligible to sign a two-way contract. The Nets currently have one of those spots available.

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