Austin Reaves’ story keeps getting better. From going undrafted in 2021 to becoming one of the Los Angeles Lakers’ most important players, the 26-year-old guard is now staring at a potential payday few could have imagined when his NBA career began.
According to The Athletic’s Dan Woike, league executives believe Reaves could command upwards of $40 million per season when he hits unrestricted free agency in 2026.
Reaves is currently in the third year of a four-year, $53.8 million deal with Los Angeles. He will earn $13.9 million this season, with a $14.9 million player option for 2026 that he is almost certain to decline.
That decision will set him up to enter the open market for the first time in his career and at the perfect time, given the rise in his production and the league’s financial landscape.
Last season, Reaves averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists on 46 percent shooting from the field and 37.7 percent from beyond the arc. He joined elite company as one of just 13 players to post a 20/5.5/4.5 stat line, a group that includes the likes of Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic.
Yet even with that breakout, Reaves remains stuck on a contract that undersells his value because of how the rules treat undrafted players.
The Lakers tried to lock him up with an $89.2 million extension this past summer, but Reaves declined, betting on himself and the chance to secure a far larger deal down the line.
It was a gamble, but one that could pay off in spectacular fashion. Two team executives told The Athletic they expect Reaves to draw offers exceeding $35 million annually, with some speculating his value could climb over the $40 million threshold.
Still, there are questions about what the Lakers should do. Franchise legend Robert Horry suggested a sign-and-trade might make sense if Reaves’ price climbs too high, noting that his style overlaps with Luka Doncic.
Meanwhile, head coach JJ Redick has praised Reaves’ offseason transformation and hinted at a breakout campaign ahead. The Spurs were once considered a potential suitor, but their backcourt is now loaded with De’Aaron Fox, rookie Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle.
For Reaves, the financial talk is flattering, but he’s made it clear he wants to remain in Los Angeles.
Whether the Lakers can or will pay him that kind of money is another matter. But if Reaves delivers on the breakout season many expect, his value will be undeniable.
For now, he’s locked in on winning alongside LeBron and Doncic, but the clock is already ticking toward what could be one of the most surprising nine-figure contracts in NBA history.
