Everyone loves finding a bargain, and that’s the essence of Black Friday—shoppers feel better spending when they get more value for their money. Below is a list of NBA players who have delivered exceptional performance relative to their contracts, excluding rookies. These athletes have proven to be tremendous value for their teams, some held longer than others.
1. Austin Reeves (2025-26 salary: $13.9 million)
This season marks Reeves’ last chance to appear on such a list, as he holds a $14.8 million player option for next year, which he plans to decline to pursue a bigger contract. The Lakers offered him a lucrative four-year, $89.2 million extension last summer, but he declined, betting on himself to earn more by excelling this season. Reeves is achieving career highs across multiple stats, including points, rebounds, assists, steals, and usage rate, shooting a stellar 65.2% true shooting. He has stepped up in big moments, even without key teammates like Luka Doncic and LeBron James, making him a highly sought-after player.
2. Jalen Johnson (2025-26 salary: $30 million)
Though some have considered him the Hawks’ best player since last season, Johnson’s recent surge, especially during Trae Young’s absence, has showcased his leadership and all-around impact. Standing 6-foot-8 and 220 pounds, Johnson excels in scoring, playmaking, and defense, leading the Hawks in points, rebounds, assists, and field goal percentage. He posted a historic game with 28 points, 11 assists, 8 rebounds, and zero turnovers. Johnson is in the first year of a five-year, $150 million contract—already a bargain for Atlanta given his rising status as their franchise star.
3. Jalen Duren (2025-26 salary: $4.1 million)
Duren is thriving in Detroit, though contract extension talks have stalled, risking him becoming a restricted free agent next summer with potential higher costs for the Pistons. The 22-year-old is posting career-best averages in points and rebounds, regularly recording double-doubles, and showing defensive improvement by limiting opponents’ shooting percentages near the basket. Duren’s performance makes a strong case for Most Improved Player consideration.
4. Josh Guidy (2025-26 salary: $25 million)
After protracted negotiations, Guidy secured a four-year, $100 million deal with the Bulls as a compromise between his initial $30 million demand and Chicago’s $20 million offer. The 23-year-old is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and assists and ranks highly in rebounds and assists league-wide. He’s also a triple-double leader behind Nikola Jokic, demonstrating a unique all-around game at a flat salary of $25 million annually.
5. Keyonte George (2025-26 salary: $4.3 million)
George’s second year had its ups and downs, but he stepped up impressively this season, posting career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. Ranking in the top 25 in points and top 10 in assists per game, he remains a high-volume shooter who is improving efficiency. George is one of Utah’s top players and has contributed significantly to their competitive start despite modest team expectations.
6. Ajay Mitchell (2025-26 salary: $3 million)
The Thunder’s depth has been crucial to their strong season start, and Mitchell has made the most of increased playing time due to injuries. The sophomore is averaging solid numbers across points, rebounds, assists, and steals, mostly scoring in double figures. As a 38th overall pick earning just $3 million this season, Mitchell’s emergence helps maximize the team’s core while providing valuable cost-effective talent.
7. Ryan Rollins (2025-26 salary: $4 million)
The Bucks faced challenges with injuries to key guards but benefited from Rollins’ breakout season. The 23-year-old has started most games, delivering career-high points, rebounds, assists, and steals, along with impressive shooting efficiency. Rollins, a late second-round pick, is providing excellent value as a starting guard at a reasonable salary for a team in desperate need of guard play.
Honorable Mention:
Despite criticism surrounding the 2024 draft, several players like Stephon Castle, Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, Kel’El Ware, and Reid Shepard have shown promise this season, proving their worth despite initial undervaluation.
Fan Take:
This list highlights how savvy contract management and player development allow teams to maximize return on investment, a trend crucial for maintaining competitive balance in the NBA. For fans, it means watching emerging stars and underappreciated talents rise, adding fresh excitement and depth to the league’s landscape.
