Austin Reaves could be one of the biggest winners of NBA free agency this summer, and deservedly so, with several teams expected to pursue the Los Angeles Lakers guard after another productive season.

Since coming in as an undrafted free agent in 2021, Reaves has gotten better every season out of Arkansas. And because of that, a huge contract is on the way.

According to a report from Dan Woike of The Athletic, multiple front-office executives around the league believe the Brooklyn Nets are in a position to make Reaves a four-year contract offer worth approximately $178.5 million.

The report also notes that the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks are among the teams that could create enough salary cap space to make competitive offers, with additional suitors potentially emerging.

The expected interest comes after Reaves produced the best season in his fifth season in the league.

Although multiple injuries limited him to a career-low 51 games, he averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists alongside Luka Dončić.

At one point, they were the highest-scoring duo in the NBA before injuries got the best of both of them.

According to Woike, Reaves is viewed by many around the league as one of the top free agents available this offseason because players entering their prime with his level of production rarely reach unrestricted free agency.

The Lakers, meanwhile, have publicly expressed their desire to keep the former undrafted guard in L.A.

President of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said following the season that both sides want Reaves' future to remain with the franchise, giving optimism that a new deal can eventually be reached.

However, retaining him may not come cheaply.

Reaves famously bet on himself by declining an extension that was limited by NBA rules governing undrafted players. Instead of accepting that deal, he entered the 2025-26 season and delivered career-best numbers, substantially increasing his value heading into free agency.

According to Woike's reporting, league executives believe Reaves' combination of scoring, playmaking and ability to play both on and off the ball makes him an ideal fit for a variety of teams looking to add another offensive creator.

His importance to the Lakers extends beyond the stat sheet.

Reaves has developed strong chemistry with Dončić and has become one of the team's trusted leaders, making him difficult to replace if another franchise presents an offer L.A. is unwilling to match.

The Lakers also face several other important roster decisions this offseason with LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, but Reaves' contract situation is expected to be one of the first major priorities before free agency officially begins.

If the market develops as many around the NBA anticipate, L.A. could be forced to commit nearly $180 million to retain one of the franchise's biggest success stories.

After entering the league without hearing his name called on draft night, Reaves now appears positioned to land the richest contract of his professional career.