Two-way contracts were once a long shot to NBA stardom, but some players defied the odds. Austin Reaves and Alex Caruso went from undrafted prospects to key contributors, proving their worth beyond a temporary deal. Others, like Duncan Robinson and Lu Dort, landed massive contracts after grinding their way up.   Here’s a look at the best two-way contract players who turned short-term deals into long-term success.

Best 2-Way Contract Players in NBA History: Austin Reaves, Alex Caruso Lead The List

As of March 9, 2025, Austin Reaves' career earnings are estimated to be around $27,980,288. Reaves never played a single NBA minute on a two-way contract before the Lakers quickly converted it to a standard deal in 2021.   Fast forward, and he’s now putting up 18.8 PTS, 4.3 REB, and 5.8 AST while shooting nearly 44.1%. By 2027, his career earnings will hit $56.3M—but he’ll likely opt out in 2026 to cash in big as an unrestricted free agent.

1. Austin Reaves – $56.3M Projected Career Earnings

As of now, Robinson's career earnings in the NBA are estimated to be $73,113,634, based on his contracts and salaries. He signed a five-year, $90 million deal with the Miami Heat in 2021, which is the largest contract in NBA history for an undrafted player.   One of the best shooters in the NBA, Robinson went undrafted in 2018 but now owns a career 40% three-point percentage. The Heat bet on him, and it paid off—he’s already banked over $53.7M, with another $40M left on his deal.   Given that shooting ages well, don’t be surprised if he snags another fat contract in 2026.

2. Duncan Robinson – $93M Projected Career Earnings

Currently, Caruso's career earnings in the NBA are estimated to be $42,564,113. Caruso’s athleticism and elite defense made him a fan favorite with the Lakers, earning him a crucial role in their 2020 title run. The Bulls took notice, signing him for four years and $37M.   He’s since made an All-Defensive First Team and even got DPOY votes. His career earnings will touch more by 2025-26.

3. Alex Caruso – $42.5M Projected Career Earnings

Naz Reid's career earnings through 2024 were $33,010,281, with his current contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves being a three-year, $41,959,296 deal.   The Timberwolves saw something special in Reid and didn’t even let him play an NBA game on a two-way deal before upgrading his contract. He’s now thriving, averaging 14.8 pts on 46.4% from deep. Minnesota locked him up with a 3-year, around $42M deal last offseason.

4. Naz Reid – $42M Projected Career Earnings

As of March 9, 2025, Luguentz "Lu" Dort's career NBA earnings, including salary, are estimated to be around $50,717,793. Dort’s defense is elite, and the Thunder rewarded him with a five-year, $82.5M deal in 2022. He’s a full-time starter, putting up double-digit points and grabbing three boards a game while shooting 42.2% from three.   At just 25, another massive contract could be coming soon.

5. Lu Dort – $86M Projected Career Earnings

As of March 9, 2025, NBA player Caleb Martin's career earnings are $27,431,491. Martin started with the Hornets but truly made his name with the Heat, where he became a two-way threat. His breakout in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals had people arguing he deserved MVP over Jimmy Butler. His payday is coming—expect a big contract in 2025 free agency. He’s currently playing for the Dallas Mavericks.

6. Caleb Martin – $28M Projected Career Earnings

As of March 9, 2025, Max Strus's career earnings in the NBA are approximately $33,600,021. Strus signed three different two-way contracts before finding his NBA home in Miami. He thrived in the playoffs, helping the Heat reach two Conference Finals and one NBA Finals.   Cleveland saw his value and locked him in with a four-year, $62.3M deal, pushing his projected career earnings past $66M by 2027.

7. Max Strus – $66.2M Projected Career Earnings

Currently, Georges Niang's career NBA earnings are estimated to be $29,685,084. After bouncing around, Niang’s two-way contract with the Jazz turned into a real NBA career.   Now a proven shooter at 46.8% FG from deep, he’s secured over $21M, with his deal taking him to nearly $38M in earnings by 2026.

8. Georges Niang – $37.9M Projected Career Earnings

As of now, Boucher's career earnings in the NBA are estimated to be around $50.7 million. The Warriors barely gave Boucher a shot, but the Raptors saw his potential. After shining as a shot-blocker and stretch big, he landed a three-year, $35.3M deal in 2022.  Though his role has dipped, he already secured nearly $40M in career earnings.

9. Chris Boucher – $50M Projected Career Earnings

Currently, Derrick Jones Jr.'s estimated total career earnings in the NBA are around $38.4 million. Another Miami Heat success story, Jones turned his two-way contract into a legit NBA career. He cashed in with a $19M deal from Portland and is still an athletic, high-energy role player—now with the Los Angeles Clippers, and will gain more in 2025-26.

Derrick Jones Jr.- LA Clippers

10. Derrick Jones Jr. – $40M Projected Career Earnings

Gary Payton II's career earnings in the NBA, through the 2024-25 season, are estimated to be $30,240,587. Being the son of an NBA legend didn’t guarantee Payton II an easy road. He bounced between two-way contracts with the Bucks and Lakers before finally making his mark with the Warriors in 2021-22. His defensive energy and hustle helped Golden State win the championship, and his bank account has felt the impact too—his career earnings will hit $30.2M by the 2025-26 offseason.

11. Gary Payton II – $30.2M Projected Career Earnings

House grinded his way from two-way contracts with the Suns and Rockets to securing a three-year, $11.2M deal in 2019. His best year came in 2019-20, averaging 10.5 PPG and 4.2 RPG while shooting 36.3% from deep. The Sixers later gave him another two-year, $8.4M contract, proving that Daryl Morey has always been a fan of his game.

12. Danuel House – $21.3M Projected Career Earnings

Morris has earned a total of around $35,137,888 in his NBA career. The 29-year-old spent his rookie season barely touching the floor but came back in 2018-19 playing all 82 games for Denver, dropping 10.4 PPG and 3.6 APG on elite efficiency (49.3% FG, 41.4% 3PT).   He earned a three-year, $27.8M contract in 2020 and is now set for 2025, where his steady playmaking and low turnover rate should attract multiple teams.

13. Monte Morris – $35M Projected Career Earnings

Alvarado's career earnings in the NBA are approximately $6,988,212. Undrafted and overlooked, Alvarado turned his two-way deal with the Pelicans into a full-time gig by March 2022. His signature move? Sneaking up on ball-handlers for backcourt steals.

14. Jose Alvarado – $7M Projected Career Earnings

Milton has earned approximately $15.3 million in his NBA career through 2024, with his salary for the 2024-25 season with the Los Angeles Lakers being $2.875 million. His rookie season with Philly was all about proving himself on a two-way contract, and he did just that. His best stretch came in 2020-21 when he was a Sixth Man of the Year candidate.   In 2023, he secured a two-year, $10M deal with the Timberwolves, but his stock has dipped lately. Free agency looms, and it’s time for another proving-ground moment.