June 17, 2025 — Boston, MA — In a blockbuster move that has sent tremors through the NBA, the Boston Celtics have signed guard Austin Reaves to a three-year contract worth over $64 million, according to league sources. The deal marks a major shake-up in the league’s competitive balance and underscores Boston’s aggressive push to remain championship contenders for years to come.
Reaves, 26, was previously with the Los Angeles Lakers and had become a cornerstone of their backcourt. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive grit made him a fan favorite and a trusted asset alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His departure is a major loss for the Lakers and a potentially transformative gain for Boston.
The Celtics, fresh off an intense playoff run that ended in the Eastern Conference Finals, are clearly retooling to make another deep title push. Reaves’ arrival bolsters a guard rotation that already includes Derrick White, Jrue Holiday (whose future remains uncertain), and rising star Payton Pritchard.
League insiders report that Boston’s front office had been eyeing Reaves for months. His skill set—efficient shooting, high basketball IQ, and clutch performance—fits perfectly within head coach Joe Mazzulla’s system. Reaves averaged 15.6 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game last season while shooting 48.1% from the field and 39.5% from beyond the arc.
“This move signals a new chapter in the Celtics’ pursuit of Banner 19,” said NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins. “Reaves brings toughness, versatility, and poise. He’s the kind of guy you want on the floor in the final minutes of a playoff game.”
Meanwhile, reactions across the NBA were swift and stunned. The Lakers, long believed to be frontrunners to retain Reaves, are now left scrambling for backcourt depth. His restricted free agency last summer saw the Lakers match a lower offer sheet from the Spurs, but this offseason, they were reportedly hesitant to match the Celtics’ more aggressive package.
Fans in Boston are already buzzing with excitement. Social media exploded with reactions from Celtics Nation, many praising the front office for landing a high-caliber player still entering his prime.
From a financial standpoint, the $64M+ deal places Reaves in the upper echelon of mid-tier NBA contracts and reflects his growing stature in the league. The Celtics, already facing luxury tax implications, appear undeterred in their pursuit of elite talent.
It remains to be seen how the Celtics will balance minutes and contracts across their guard-heavy roster, but for now, the message is clear: Boston is going all-in.
With the NBA Draft and free agency looming, Reaves’ signing may just be the first domino to fall in what’s shaping up to be a wild offseason.
Bottom Line: The Celtics made a statement today—not just to the Eastern Conference, but to the entire NBA. Austin Reaves is coming to Boston, and the league will never be the same.
