The Mavericks recently traveled to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana to present star Luka Doncic with his five-year, $207MM extension, the most expensive rookie contract in NBA history, writes ESPN’s Royce Young.
According to team owner Mark Cuban, having the signing take place in Doncic’s home country was meant to send a message to the 22-year-old, two-time All-NBA guard:
“Just to confirm to Luka how important he is to us and how this is just the beginning,” Cuban said. “We want him to know we’re there for him, whether that’s here in Slovenia, in Dallas, or anywhere in the world. Part of this process is not only getting to know him but getting to know what’s important to him. How he looks at things.”
Doncic, for his part, claims that his signing the Mavs’ offer was “never in doubt.”
We have more news from the Mavericks:
- Tim Cato and Blake Murphy of The Athletic discuss why Goran Dragic remains a Raptor, rather than having being re-routed to Dallas. Murphy writes that the Raptors have no incentive to buy out Dragic, who could still return value in a trade. Cato adds that the Mavs would be more likely to include Dwight Powell in trade talks than Maxi Kleber, but Josh Green could be a candidate to be moved if he remains in a limited role and the team continues to struggle in its non-Doncic minutes.
- Details have emerged on Tim Hardaway Jr.‘s $75MM contract with the Mavs. Tim MacMahon of ESPN breaks down the descending structure of Hardaway’s deal, which will start at $21.3MM and end in the 2024/25 season at $16.19MM.
- Recently-signed Sterling Brown‘s contract is fully guaranteed at $6MM over two years, tweets ESPN’s Zach Lowe. The contract will come out of the Mavs’ bi-annual exception. Given Dallas’ lack of wing depth and his defensive ability at 6’5 and career 37.4% shooting from three, Brown will likely be counted on as an important bench contributor this season.
Cheaper for Cuban to bring Luka’s parents to the U.S. to keep Luka company for the season than to bring in a 35 yr old Dragic with a large salary number.
Luka has only mother
Luka father Sasa walked away from Luka and got another lady 21 years ago?
Former Kings GM Divac knew Luka father
I did not know that. Thanks for the insight
1 of the things people seem to be neglecting is Dragic fits a need for Toronto right now for shooting around their versatile defenders
I dont get how they got Sterling Brown at that price, unless his value was effected by his injury
Dallas should try to add Paul Millsap, RHJ, or Stanley Johnson and TLC, Frank Ntilikina, Shaq Harrison, or Isaac Bonga, and I think that would be an extremely strong offseason. Not sure who they would need to get rid of to clear 2 roster spots, but those are 2 positions they could use, among many teams in similar position. Maybe they can move 1 of their bigs and 1 of their back up scoring guards, although not sure what their situation is with how much space they have left
Porzingis for Ben Simmons would be a fun trade, if Simmons plays forward.
The Sixers won’t get a better offer, but they’d probably turn it down.
So acquire Ben Simmons to do what? He does two things well. Pass and defend. They aren’t going to take the ball out of Luka’s hands so what, pay $33 mil per for his defense? I think not. Doesn’t make Dallas better at all.
Forgot court coverage and pushing transitions by himself to the breaking point of the opposition. This would allow Doncic to relax in transition, not exhaust himself. And if Doncic is going to be the offense regardless, then no need for a player who hunts for his shots.
But 6ers need more.
He is healthy more often than KP, so he could end up having more trade value than KP
Dwight Powell and Josh Green for Dragic and a second round pick.
Powell back to Canada, plus Green who has potential. Dragic teams up with countryman Doncic, adds to a playoff team
I’d give up Green for Dragic. Dallas is a good place for him.
I respect how the European basketball stars aren’t trying to beat the system and form super teams. Lots of signs indicate that Dragic wants to be in Dallas, but he’s not holding the Raptors hostage like NBA players often do these days.