Austin Reaves recently turned down a four-year extension worth nearly $90 million, and it wasn’t because he’s looking to leave Los Angeles. The rising Lakers star, coming off the best season of his young career, is playing the long game.
Rather than locking into a deal now, Reaves is quietly betting on his upward trajectory and the growing attention he’s drawing around the league. One well-placed NBA insider suggests there’s more to his decision, and it could shape the Lakers’ next big move.
Austin Reaves Declines $89.2 Million Deal Amid Rising League-Wide Interest
The Lakers, hoping to lock down their rising star early, offered Reaves a four-year, $89.2 million extension, which is the maximum allowed based on his years of service. But Reaves declined, opting instead to ride out his current contract and test the free agency market in 2026, where a bigger payday may await.
NBA insider Chris B. Haynes shed light on what’s really happening behind the scenes.
“There are a lot of rival executives who hold Austin Reaves in high regard,” Haynes said. “And so, I think he got wind of that. I think his representative has got wind of that. I think that they feel like they have to make that decision.”
Haynes added, “I think there’s still a lot of room for him to grow. He has risen pretty quickly, which just shows you the work he puts in. Still some untapped talent in Austin Reaves right there. So, I think that decision is purely based off the feedback he’s given from around the league.”
“There are a lot of rival executives who hold Austin Reaves in high regard.”@ChrisBHaynes weighs in on Reaves exploring free agency after turning down an initial contract offer from Los Angeles pic.twitter.com/huxXA3wvrJ
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 30, 2025
In other words, Reaves is hearing all the right things. There’s a belief that his value hasn’t peaked, and with more growth and potentially a bigger offensive role, he could fetch a much larger deal in two years.
Reaves’ 2024-25 numbers back that up. He averaged a career-high 20.2 points per game while also contributing 5.8 assists and 4.5 rebounds across 73 games. He shot nearly 38% from beyond the arc and proved to be a dependable third option alongside Luka Dončić and LeBron James in a revamped Lakers lineup.
Reaves Is Betting on Himself Despite Trade Noise?
Reaves went undrafted in 2021 and clawed his way up from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal. So, it’s no surprise he believes in playing the long game.
Still, the Lakers’ situation adds layers to his decision.
Trade rumors have swirled ever since the Lakers’ early playoff exit, with teams like the Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz, and Brooklyn Nets all linked to possible deals involving Reaves.
Besides, JJ Redick and Co. are searching for a starting-caliber center, and Reaves has emerged as one of their most valuable assets. But so far, the Lakers have held firm, unwilling to let go of the 27-year-old unless the return is significant.
Reaves addressed the speculation earlier this month during the Reaves Brother Basketball Camp.
“I want to be in L.A.,” he told reporters. “If they want to trade me, then we’ll start something new somewhere else. But like I said, I want to be in L.A. I want to play my whole career in L.A.”
Even in the postseason, when the Lakers struggled, Reaves continued to show value. He averaged 16.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across five games. His ability to function both as a creator and a secondary scorer makes him a perfect modern NBA guard. It could be why his stocks are rising; he definitely wants to cash them big.
