Lakers’ Austin Reaves Could Land Jaw-Dropping $240 Million Max Deal
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is playing himself into superstar money — and perhaps one of the most lucrative contracts in franchise history.
The undrafted Arkansas native has exploded into the national spotlight after averaging 40 points per game over a three-game stretch without LeBron James and Luka Dončić, capped by his game-winning floater at the buzzer Wednesday night to lift the Lakers past the Minnesota Timberwolves, 116–115.
Now, his red-hot run has amplified the biggest question hanging over the Lakers’ future: How much will it cost to keep him?
Reaves’ Free-Agency Value Skyrockets
Before the season began,
“If he has a good year, he could be a fringe All-Star candidate for sure,” The Ringer’s Zach Lowe said on his podcast,
Woike added that the league’s rising salary cap could push Reaves’ maximum offer from rival teams to around $42 million per year, placing him in the same financial tier as All-Star guards like Trae Young.
“If he plays well, there will be offers north of $40 million for him,” Woike said. “With the cap jump, his max from another team starts around $42 million. It’s him and Trae — those are the free agents everyone’s watching.”
Lakers Hold the Edge Financially
Under NBA rules, only the Lakers can offer Reaves a five-year maximum deal, which is projected to be worth $240.7 million, according to Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale
Other teams are capped at four years and $178.5 million, while a four-year max from Los Angeles would reach $185.9 million — still the highest possible total.
Reaves declined a four-year, $89.2 million offer from the Lakers last summer and is expected to opt out of his $14.9 million player option after this season to test the open market.
At least 10 teams are projected to have significant cap space next offseason, per ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks, ensuring a competitive bidding war.
Lakers Face a Financial Crossroads
The Lakers’ decision will hinge on how far they are willing to go alongside Dončić, who signed a three-year, $165 million deal this past offseason.
A full Reaves max extension would leave the Lakers no room for another top-tier star. They will also walk the financial tightrope to dance around the NBA’s second-apron luxury-tax tier — a punitive level that limits trades, free-agent flexibility, and draft maneuverability.
The calculus may come down to whether the Lakers see Reaves as Dončić’s long-term backcourt partner or as a trade-ready asset for another star.
Redick and Ownership Back Reaves’ Rise
Head coach JJ Redick didn’t hesitate when asked if Reaves deserves to be part of the Lakers’ future core.
“He’s established himself as a bad dude,” Redick told The Athletic. “Last year, I think leaguewide, he was viewed as a really good player. Now, he’s a leader. He’s one of the guys — or the guy — on the court. That’s big-time.”
The Lakers also have new financial firepower after billionaire Mark Walter — owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers — was approved as the team’s new majority owner. Walter’s track record of spending big in MLB suggests the Lakers won’t shy away from major investments.
Still, the NBA’s restrictive cap rules mean Los Angeles can’t simply buy its way out of roster decisions. The modern “two-star” model leaves little to no room for a third maximum-salaried player.
The Franchise’s Defining Offseason Looms
Reaves’ breakout has made him both indispensable and expensive. The Lakers must soon decide whether to lock in a $240 million commitment or explore trade scenarios for a complementary star beside Dončić.
Either way, Reaves’ meteoric rise from undrafted prospect to potential max player stands as one of the most remarkable success stories in recent Lakers history — and the next chapter could reshape the franchise’s future.
Broncos Trade Proposal Lands Former Ravens Draft Pick to Help Bo Nix
The Denver Broncos are in an interesting spot, sitting at 6-2 and atop the AFC West entering Week 9 with the trade deadline less than one week away, but a move that helps quarterback
ESPN’s staff put together a trade deadline breakdown, and Ben Solak suggested the Broncos attempt to trade for former Baltimore Ravens starter
Cleveland could help the Broncos tread water until they get their starter, Ben Powers, back.
Broncos Urged to Trade for Ravens OG Ben Cleveland
GettyBen Cleveland #66 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during training camp.
The Broncos lost starting left guard Ben Powers to injured reserve with a torn biceps, and replacement Matt Peart followed him. The Broncos got by with Alex Palczewski against the
That is where Cleveland could be of service to the Broncos after falling out of favor with the Ravens, who drafted him with the 94th overall pick of the 2021 draft.
This Heavy Sports Broncos trade pitch sends a late-round pick to the Ravens for Cleveland.
Broncos get:
- Ben Cleveland
Ravens get:
- 2026 sixth-round draft pick
“The Broncos could be looking for depth at guard following the injury to Ben Powers, whom they signed from Baltimore two years ago,”
Cleveland, 27, has appeared in 61 games for the Ravens in his career, but he has seven starts and has never drawn more than four in a single season. That came during his rookie campaign, making Cleveland a risky trade target for the Broncos or any other team looking for help.
Broncos Alex Palczewski Gets Strong Endorsement
The Broncos could be inclined to stand pat at the deadline, given head coach Sean Payton’s strong praise for Palczewski. A former undrafted free agent,
“He’s doing well,” Payton told reporters on October 29. “He doesn’t look like a throw-in left guard. He’s smart. He’s tough. It’s good to see him playing. It’s good when you look at some of the guys we were able to get after the draft and late. That’s like gold, getting those type of players. And we had, that first year, we hit on a number of linemen.”
Palczewski and the Broncos will face the Houston Texans in Week 9. Their strength is off the edges and in the secondary.
The Las Vegas Raiders are also stronger off the edges than they are up the middle.
That matchup is after the deadline anyway. Moreover, Chris Jones and the Kansas City Chiefs loom large in Week 11 and again in Week 17. Powers could return to the field by then, but that remains uncertain.
Skill positions could be enticing, but the Broncos have stocked their cupboards with young, ascending talent behind veterans Courtland Sutton, Evan Engram, and J.K. Dobbins.
Nix avoids sacks well, but a trade for an upgrade at guard could help him and the Broncos.
