Austin Reaves has already leveled up more times than a Pokemon in his NBA career, with this final stage looking like a max contract player.
Reaves has used an increased workload thanks to the absence of LeBron James to put up career highs of 28.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 62.8 percent from inside the arc. The 27-year-old dropped 51 on the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 26 and has scored 20 or more in 11 of his 12 games.
Reaves currently ranks 11th in the NBA in scoring above players like Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, Cade Cunningham, Kevin Durant, Victor Wembanyama and others while his assists are tied for 11th, besting Jalen Brunson, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Booker.
Reaves owns a $14.9 million player option for next season, although the chances of him picking it up are about the same as the Washington Wizards winning the 2026 title. Instead, Reaves can opt out and sign a five-year, $241 million contract with the Lakers or a four-year, $178.5 million deal with any other team.
Now with James back in the fold after missing the first month with sciatica, Reaves’ numbers will inevitably fall a little.
Still, his story from going undrafted*, signing a two-way deal and now looking like a max player has been a fun one to follow.