Austin Reaves could reportedly become one of the highest-paid guards on the market when he reaches free agency, according to The Athletic.
While there is still optimism that Reaves and the Los Angeles Lakers will eventually agree to a long-term contract, league insiders believe other teams could create serious competition with major offers.
“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.”
According to rival executives, the player may be capable of earning as much as $40 million annually because of his production, age and the lack of comparable talent expected to be available in free agency.
“Rival executives predicted Reaves could command $40 million a season due to a combination of his play, his age and, perhaps most importantly, a free-agent class completely devoid of players as productive as him in their prime.”
Reaves has continued to grow into one of the Lakers’ most important players and is widely viewed around the league as a strong long-term fit next to Luka Doncic.
Austin Reaves could command up to $40 million per year in free agency, per @TheAthletic
“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… pic.twitter.com/BECCDssKBl
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 12, 2026
