Austin Reaves Set to Sign $30 Million Deal With Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the most active teams in the NBA this trade market. From adding the likes of DeAndre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia, they have bolstered their side with immense depth going into the 2025-26 NBA season. Also, they already possess stars like Luka Doncic and LeBron James on their roster, with the franchise snapping up Doncic on a 3-year $165 million deal just a few days ago.

Now, as per recent reports, the Lakers are tying down their loyal star Austin Reaves, who will be getting more than $30 million in his new contract, as per ESPN. A few months ago, Reaves rejected a supermax extension from the Lakers, but now the two sides are edging closer to finding an agreement on the contract deal.

‘I think he will get $30 [million] plus,’ one executive told ESPN, echoing multiple front office sources who were asked about the next deal Reaves could command. The expectation, from both that executive and others, is that Reaves ultimately will return to Los Angeles, which would cement Reaves’ role as the long-term running mate next to Doncic in L.A.’s backcourt — the role once held by Brunson then Irving in Dallas.

ESPN’s report read

Austin Reaves is reportedly expected to command more than $30 million per year on his next contract, per ESPN

"‘I think he will get $30 [million] plus,’ one executive told ESPN, echoing multiple front office sources who were asked about the next deal Reaves could command. The… pic.twitter.com/z4sonVQCl8

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 6, 2025

The Lakers’ star is entering the final year of his ongoing contract. He has also performed top-notch for his side when he averaged 20.2 points and 5-point assists per game. In addition, he is also a 37% three-point shooter and is capable of playing off and on the ball, something that the Lakers like regarding Reaves’ game.

The Lakers would not want to waste any time regarding Reaves’ contract extension, because they would not want to make the same mistake they did back with talented player Alex Caruso, where they let him walk as a free agent in 2021.

A few years later, Caruso went on and became one of the most important players for the OKC Thunder, who recently won the 2025 NBA title. The Lakers would not want a part 2 all over and are now looking to seal Reaves on a long-term contract.

NBA reporter makes interesting Austin Reaves-Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Lakers trade proposal

For quite some time now, it has been reported that the Milwaukee Bucks’ star man, Giannis Antetokounmpo, has been left frustrated with his side. The Bucks have been performing below expectations over the last 2-3 NBA seasons. Last year was one of the worst performances by the Bucks in recent years, despite having Damian Lillard alongside Antetokounmpo.

The Greek star may be willing to move on from his current franchise with the Los Angeles Lakers, one of his suitable options in the coming year. As per NBA reporter Sam Quinn, the Lakers would be interested in adding Austin Reaves in any trade deal that would involve signing Giannis in return.

The obvious example of such a team would be the Lakers. Right now, Los Angeles only has one tradable first-round pick. That’s in 2031. But next summer, that number jumps to three: their 2026, 2031, and 2033 selections. That makes a trade a bit more plausible, especially with a signed-and-traded Austin Reaves in the mix as well.

Sam Quinn wrote on CBS Sports

Austin Reaves went by Giannis 👀 pic.twitter.com/p3rynqmJwo

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 10, 2023

As mentioned above, Reaves and the Lakers are edging closer to an agreement on his contract extension, earning him more than $30 million on average. But that does rule out a move for Giannis in the long run, with Reaves going to the Milwaukee Bucks in return.

And if the Lakers were given the option to sign the Greek star, they would surely snap at it in one go. Hence, it will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds in the next year.

Another NBA reporter came up with a fascinating Austin Reaves trade proposal

Despite the Lakers looking to tie down Austin Reaves on a long-term contract, it does not change the fact that Reaves is a top asset, even if he signs an extension. Sports Illustrated’s Mark Morales-Smith believes Reaves’ value will hold some important weightage in the trade market if the Lakers were to listen to offers regarding their star this season or in the upcoming trade markets.

He came up with an interesting trade proposal that will send Reaves to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for the 2025 ROTY, Stephon Castle.

The Lakers get a talented young player in (Devin) Vassell, and also upgrade their role players, adding (Stephon) Castle and (Jeremy) Sochan.

Mark Morales-Smith wrote on Sports Illustrated

In exchange for Castle, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and a first-round pick, Morales-Smith’s complete trade proposal transfers Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a second-round pick to the San Antonio Spurs. So far, Castle has lived up to the hype.

As a rookie contributor, he produced 14.7 points and 4.1 assists per game, winning Rookie of the Year. However, no deal involving Castle will be easy to pull off.

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