Austin Reaves could be in line for a massive payday when he hits free agency, with rival executives projecting he might command up to $40 million per season, according to The Athletic.
Although there remains optimism that Reaves and the Los Angeles Lakers will eventually reach a long-term agreement, league insiders believe other teams could make competitive offers that may force the Lakers to match.
“While team and league sources believe that the Lakers and Reaves will eventually land on a contract that makes sense, the door for Reaves to walk is open should he get a big offer elsewhere,” the report states.
The combination of Reaves’ production, age, and the projected lack of comparable talent in the free-agent class has led rival executives to predict he could earn as much as $40 million annually. One executive noted that the upcoming free-agent market is “completely devoid of players as productive as him in their prime.”
Reaves has developed into one of the Lakers’ most vital players and is widely viewed as a strong long-term fit alongside Luka Doncic. Over five seasons with the Lakers, he has averaged 15.8 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 331 regular-season games.
In a post on social media, NBA insider NBACentral highlighted the same report, reiterating that while the Lakers and Reaves are expected to eventually finalize a deal, the door remains open if a rival team presents a significant offer.
