Anshari TaslimIn the high-stakes world of professional basketball, where player salaries often eclipse the gross domestic product of small nations, the concept of value is paramount. Much like the retail sector’s annual Black Friday phenomenon, the National Basketball Association operates on an underlying appreciation for a good deal. For general managers and team executives, identifying players who consistently outperform their financial compensation is a critical component of roster construction and sustained competitiveness. This report highlights several such individuals across the league who, through their exceptional play during the current 2025-26 NBA season, are proving to be invaluable assets to their respective franchises. Excluded from this analysis are rookie-scale contracts, which inherently offer significant value due to their predetermined, ascending structure. The focus here is on established players whose contributions significantly exceed the benchmarks typically associated with their current salary figures, whether they are locked into long-term deals or approaching a substantial payday.
1. Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers)
2025-26 Salary: $13.9 million
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Austin Reaves, the undrafted guard from Oklahoma, is currently in the first year of a four-year, $53.8 million contract he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 2024. While the $13.9 million figure represents his salary for the current 2025-26 season, his performance has already made this contract appear significantly team-friendly. Reaves possesses a player option for the 2026-27 season valued at $14.8 million, an option he is widely expected to decline the moment it becomes legally permissible. This decision stems from a calculated gamble Reaves made last summer, when he reportedly turned down an extension offer from the Lakers that would have paid him $89.2 million over four years. His rationale was to bet on his continued statistical improvement and on-court impact, positioning himself for an even more lucrative long-term deal in the open market.
This season, Reaves has demonstrably delivered on that bet. He is averaging career highs across multiple statistical categories, including points, rebounds, assists, and steals, while also recording his highest usage rate. His true shooting percentage stands at an efficient 65.2%, reflecting his improved shot selection and finishing ability. Reaves has become a crucial component of the Lakers’ offense, demonstrating a knack for clutch plays, including game-winning shots that have underscored his growing confidence and reliability. His ability to step up in the absence of star teammates like LeBron James and Anthony Davis has been particularly noteworthy, showcasing his versatility and leadership. The Lakers organization has expressed a strong desire to retain Reaves beyond his current deal, but his consistent high-level performance is attracting significant attention from other suitors, setting the stage for a competitive bidding process when he eventually hits unrestricted free agency.
2. Jalen Johnson (Atlanta Hawks)
2025-26 Salary: $30 million
Jalen Johnson, the dynamic forward for the Atlanta Hawks, is embarking on the first year of a new five-year, $150 million contract extension, which pays him a flat $30 million annually through the 2029-30 season. This deal, inked in the recent offseason, is already proving to be a shrewd investment for the Hawks, particularly given Johnson’s emergence as one of the league’s most versatile forwards. Some observers had identified Johnson as the Hawks’ most impactful player as early as last season, a sentiment that has only intensified during the current campaign, especially in periods where star guard Trae Young has been sidelined with injury.
Johnson’s 2024-25 season is a clear breakout performance, building on a promising 2023-24 campaign that was unfortunately cut short after 36 games due to a left shoulder injury. This season, the 24-year-old is leading the Hawks in points, rebounds, assists, and field goal percentage, a testament to his all-around offensive game. Standing at 6-foot-8 and 220 pounds, Johnson presents a formidable matchup challenge, capable of scoring from beyond the arc, facilitating for teammates, or attacking the rim with force. His defensive contributions are equally significant; he is a disruptive presence in passing lanes, frequently converting steals into fast-break opportunities. In a recent victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Johnson recorded an impressive 28 points, 11 assists, 8 rebounds, and zero turnovers, marking him as the first player in franchise history to achieve such a stat line since turnovers were first tracked in the 1977-78 season. He currently stands in elite company, alongside Nikola Jokić and Alperen Şengün, as one of only three players in the NBA averaging at least 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists per game. The flat structure of his $30 million annual salary is a strategic boon for the Hawks; as the league’s salary cap is projected to rise significantly over the coming years, Johnson’s contract will consume a progressively smaller percentage of the cap, providing Atlanta with enhanced financial flexibility to build around their burgeoning franchise cornerstone.
3. Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons)
2025-26 Salary: $4.1 million
Jalen Duren, the promising young center for the Detroit Pistons, is currently in the third year of his rookie contract, earning $4.1 million for the 2025-26 season. Despite the Pistons’ continued struggles to achieve consistent team success, Duren has been a beacon of individual progress and value. His performance has intensified the regret within the Detroit front office for not securing a contract extension with him before the October 2024 deadline. Reports indicated a significant disparity between the two sides during negotiations, a decision that will likely prove costly for the Pistons as Duren is now slated to become a restricted free agent in July 2026.
The 22-year-old has elevated his game considerably this season, averaging career highs in both points and rebounds, currently at 19.8 points and 11.8 rebounds per contest. His dominance on the boards places him fourth in the entire league in rebounding. Duren has consistently delivered double-doubles, achieving the feat in 12 of the 16 games he has played this season. Beyond his offensive output and rebounding prowess, Duren has also shown marked improvement on the defensive end. Opponents are shooting 63.2% against him in the restricted area, a notable reduction from 67.2% last year, indicating enhanced rim protection and positional defense. While the Most Improved Player award is often subject to varied interpretations, Duren’s significant leap in production and efficiency places him firmly on the shortlists of many voters. His impending restricted free agency, coupled with his current level of play, will undoubtedly command a substantial offer sheet, forcing the Pistons to potentially overpay to retain his services.
4. Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls)
2025-26 Salary: $25 million
Josh Giddey, the versatile guard for the Chicago Bulls, is in the first year of a new four-year, $100 million contract extension, which commenced this 2025-26 season, paying him a flat $25 million annually. The negotiation process leading to this deal was protracted during the previous summer, with Giddey’s camp reportedly seeking $30 million per year, while the Bulls initially offered $20 million. The final $25 million agreement represented a mutually beneficial compromise, a deal that is already appearing to be a significant bargain for Chicago.
After an encouraging start to the season, the Bulls have experienced a fluctuating performance, including a notable loss to the New Orleans Pelicans this week. However, Giddey’s individual output has remained consistently high. The 23-year-old Australian is recording career highs across the board, averaging 20.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game. His rebounding numbers place him 11th in the league, while his assist figures are second only to reigning MVP Nikola Jokić. Furthermore, Giddey has improved his perimeter shooting, hitting a career-best 38.8% from three-point range. He also stands second in the NBA with four triple-doubles, twice as many as any other player outside of Jokić. While the Bulls continue to seek consistency, Giddey’s gaudy statistics and all-around impact are hard to overlook, offering significant production relative to his contract. The non-escalating nature of his $25 million annual salary further enhances its value for the Bulls as the league’s salary cap continues to climb.
5. Keyonte George (Utah Jazz)
2025-26 Salary: $4.3 million
Keyonte George, the dynamic guard for the Utah Jazz, is currently in his third professional season, earning $4.3 million as part of his rookie contract for 2025-26. His sophomore campaign was characterized by a mixed bag of performances, seeing him start 35 of 67 games while navigating backcourt usage with teammates like Collin Sexton and Isaiah Collier. However, George has made a substantial leap in his third year, firmly establishing himself as a primary offensive force for the Jazz.
This season, George is averaging career highs with 23.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. His scoring places him 22nd in the NBA, and his assist numbers rank him ninth overall. George has also demonstrated an increased aggression in attacking the basket, attempting a career-high seven free throws per game and converting them at a robust 90.8% clip, the sixth-best mark in the league. While he remains a high-volume shooter who needs to improve his efficiency from beyond the arc (currently shooting 31.9% on 6.8 attempts per game), his unwavering confidence and diverse offensive repertoire are encouraging signs for the Jazz coaching staff and front office. Alongside All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen, George has emerged as one of Utah’s two most impactful players, contributing significantly to the Jazz’s surprisingly competitive 5-12 start to the season. Notably, the Jazz have performed creditably in clutch situations, holding a 3-4 record in such games, a testament to George’s late-game involvement. For a lead guard who is still developing his full potential, his current salary represents exceptional value for the Utah franchise.
6. Ajay Mitchell (Oklahoma City Thunder)
2025-26 Salary: $3 million
Ajay Mitchell, the sophomore guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, is currently earning $3 million in the 2025-26 season, a testament to the Thunder’s consistent ability to uncover and develop undervalued talent. Drafted 38th overall out of UC Santa Barbara in 2024, Mitchell appeared in just 36 games during his rookie campaign (2024-25). However, as a sophomore this season, he has capitalized on increased opportunities, particularly with the absence of injured starter Jalen Williams (wrist), contributing significantly to the defending champions’ torrid start to the season, which includes a 10-game winning streak.
Mitchell has played in all 19 games for the Thunder this season, seamlessly oscillating between the starting lineup and the bench as needed. In just over 27 minutes per game, he is averaging 15.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.7 steals, displaying a well-rounded game and consistent scoring touch, having reached double figures in all but one contest. Finds like Mitchell, on cost-effective rookie deals, are fundamental to the Thunder’s sustainable success. They enable the franchise to allocate maximum-level contracts to core players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams, while still surrounding them with a deep, quality roster. This strategic approach, spearheaded by General Manager Sam Presti, has positioned the Thunder for long-term contention. Upcoming team options for veterans like Isaiah Hartenstein ($28.5 million) and Lu Dort ($18.2 million) could lead to their departure as potential cap casualties. However, the emergence of cost-effective young players such as Mitchell and fellow sophomore Cason Wallace, coupled with the Thunder’s extensive stockpile of draft picks, ensures that the team maintains flexibility and a continuous pipeline of talent, reinforcing Presti’s reputation as one of the league’s most astute executives.
7. Ryan Rollins (Milwaukee Bucks)
2025-26 Salary: $4 million
Ryan Rollins, the burgeoning guard for the Milwaukee Bucks, is currently in the first year of a two-year, $8 million contract, with $4 million allocated for the 2025-26 season and another $4 million for 2026-27. The Bucks entered the season with notable questions regarding their playmaking and shot creation, a concern that was severely exacerbated when Kevin Porter Jr., who was slated to play a significant role at lead guard, sustained a knee injury just nine minutes into the season and has not played since. This unfortunate turn of events for Porter has serendipitously opened the door for Rollins, who has seized the opportunity with both hands.
Rollins has started 18 of 19 games for the Bucks this season, undergoing a remarkable transformation into a legitimate starting-caliber guard. He is averaging career highs across all major statistical categories: 18.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His efficiency has also been outstanding, shooting 48.9% from the field and an impressive 40.4% from three-point range on six attempts per game. This breakout season represents a significant leap for Rollins, who was drafted 44th overall in 2022. He played a mere 12 games with the Golden State Warriors as a rookie (2022-23) and saw limited action, totaling 13 games, split between the Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks in his second season (2023-24). For a Bucks team that was desperate for guard play and operating under significant team-building constraints following the waiving and stretching of Damian Lillard’s contract, Rollins’ emergence as a cost-controlled, impactful starting guard is an immense boost to their championship aspirations.
Honorable Mention
The 2024 NBA Draft class, initially met with skepticism and often described as "maligned" or "underhyped," has seen a significant number of its players step up and demonstrate considerable potential during their sophomore campaigns (2025-26 season). Players such as Stephon Castle, Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Kel’El Ware, and Reed Sheppard have all shown flashes of brilliance and consistent improvement at various points this season. Sheppard, in particular, recently posted a career-high 31 points in a crucial victory at Golden State, showcasing his offensive capabilities. These second-year players, now past their rookie adjustments, are beginning to fulfill their potential and are proving to be valuable assets on their respective teams. Their early contributions underscore the inherent value found in developing young talent, often on team-friendly contracts, despite initial lower expectations for their draft class.
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