Mavericks Trading Luka Doncic Could Cost Him Millions
Mavericks Trading Luka Doncic Could Cost Him Millions.
The NBA community remains astounded following one of the most perplexing trades in its history. The Dallas Mavericks have exchanged Luka Doncic, a 26-year-old superstar with five All-NBA First Team selections to his name, for Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers. Although Davis is a prominent player who secured a championship with the Lakers in 2020, he will soon turn 32 and has a history of injuries. This unexpected transaction has left fans, players, and analysts alike in a state of confusion.
It would be reasonable to assume that the Mavericks received a substantial number of draft picks in return. However, they will only acquire the Lakers' first-round pick in 2029 and Max Christie. Additionally, Dallas has traded away Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris, with the Utah Jazz participating as a third team for salary cap considerations.
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The Jazz will obtain Jalen Hood-Schifino, along with the Mavericks' 2025 second-round pick and the Los Angeles Clippers' 2025 second-round pick.
This trade is poised to create significant ripples throughout the NBA and will also have financial implications for Doncic. He was in a position to sign a super max contract this summer, potentially worth $345 million over five years, which would have been the most lucrative contract in NBA history. However, following this trade, the opportunity for a super max contract has been eliminated.
The impending super max contract was a significant factor in the initial negotiations surrounding this deal. There have been various reports indicating that the Mavericks expressed concerns about committing a substantial amount of money to Doncic, primarily due to apprehensions regarding his conditioning. Unless Doncic experiences a significant decline in performance over the next few years and the Dallas team secures a championship, it seems excessive to consider trading a top-five player in the league who has yet to reach his prime.
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Should Doncic opt for an extension with the Lakers, he stands to earn a considerable sum, although it would not match the offer that Dallas could provide. ESPN analyst Bobby Marks has proposed that a prudent strategy for Doncic would be to pursue a three-year extension this offseason, rather than a four-year maximum deal, incorporating a player option for the 2028-29 season. By that time, Doncic could potentially negotiate a contract in the 2028 offseason with a starting salary of $72 million.
Tax implications are also a crucial consideration. In Texas, Doncic was exempt from state income taxes; however, he will now be subject to a 13.3% tax rate for games played in California, resulting in millions of dollars lost annually.
Another scenario to contemplate is that if Doncic competes with the Lakers for the next two seasons without securing a championship, he may explore free agency and join a team with better championship prospects. This mirrors Kevin Durant's decision in 2016 to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Golden State Warriors, where he won two titles.
To date, Doncic has accumulated approximately $109.6 million over six years in the NBA. He is projected to earn an additional $89 million in the upcoming two years, bringing his total earnings close to $200 million by the summer of 2026. He would likely still attract a maximum contract wherever he chooses to sign.
This trade is monumental and will undoubtedly have lasting implications for years to come. Doncic's potential move to another team in 2026, or his success in winning multiple championships with the Lakers, would represent significant turning points in the league.
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While the trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers is a surprising move, it opens up new possibilities for both the Mavericks and Dončić’s career. Joining a championship-contending team with the Lakers could provide Dončić with the opportunity to thrive in a more competitive environment and possibly win titles, further cementing his legacy.
While financial setbacks may occur, the exposure and growth from playing alongside top-tier players like LeBron James could prove invaluable. With the potential for significant career achievements and new challenges, Dončić’s future remains bright, and this trade may lead to unexpected successes.
