Several Nba players are delivering exceptional value relative to their contracts in the 2024-25 season. From Austin Reaves with the Lakers to Jalen Johnson of the Hawks, these athletes are posting career-high statistics while earning below-market pay. This Black Friday feature highlights key bargains across the league.
The Nba season has showcased numerous players exceeding expectations on affordable deals, providing teams with significant roster flexibility. Excluding rookies, these performers stand out for their production against modest salaries.
Austin Reaves of the Lakers is in the final year of his current contract at $13.9 million for 2025-26. He is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and usage rate, with a 65.2 true shooting percentage. Reaves has hit game-winners and stepped up during absences of Luka Dončić and LeBron James. He declined a four-year, $89.2 million extension last summer, positioning for a larger payday.
Jalen Johnson leads the Hawks in points, rebounds, assists, and field goal percentage at age 24. In a win over the Hornets, he recorded 28 points, 11 assists, 8 rebounds, and zero turnovers—the first such line in franchise history since 1977-78. Johnson averages at least 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, joining Nikola Jokić and Alperen Şengün. His five-year, $150 million deal starts at $30 million annually, representing 19.4% of the league cap this year.
Detroit's Jalen Duren, earning $4.1 million next season, averages 19.8 points and 11.8 rebounds, with double-doubles in 12 of 16 games. He ranks fourth league-wide in rebounding and has improved defensively, holding opponents to 63.2% shooting in the restricted area. Extension talks stalled, making him a restricted free agent in July.
Chicago's Josh Giddey, on a four-year, $100 million pact at $25 million per year, posts 20.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 9.5 assists—career bests. He ranks 11th in rebounds, second in assists, and shoots 38.8% from three. Giddey has four triple-doubles, trailing only Jokić.
Utah's Keyonte George averages 23.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.1 steals on his $4.3 million rookie deal. He ranks 22nd in scoring and ninth in assists, drawing 7 free throws per game at 90.8%.
Oklahoma City's Ajay Mitchell, a 2024 38th pick, averages 15.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.7 steals in 27 minutes across 19 games, scoring in double figures 18 times on $3 million.
Milwaukee's Ryan Rollins has started 18 of 19 games, averaging 18.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 steals. He shoots 48.9% from the field and 40.4% from three on six attempts, on a $4 million deal.
Honorable mentions include 2024 draftees like Stephon Castle, Alex Sarr, and Reed Sheppard, who have shown promise.