Luka Doncic\u2019s contract news is one of the stories of the summer. The Don locked in a three-year, $165 million max extension with the Lakers, which surprisingly seems on the smaller end. He would have gotten more if he had remained on the Mavericks, but that wasn\u2019t in the cards.<\/p>\n
He had a few extension paths on the table, too. LA could\u2019ve offered a four-year, roughly $229 million max deal for long-term security. A shorter two-year extension with a player option was also an option to keep maximum flexibility. Instead, he chose the three-year route, one that potentially leaves him open to unlock another huge payday later.<\/p>\n
Regardless of the specifics, Luka\u2019s<\/a> deal has shocked some, including New York Knicks<\/a> superstar Jalen Brunson. The two-time All-Star, who was drafted by the Mavs and shared the court with Luka, spoke on this topic alongside teammate Josh Hart on their Roommates Show\u00a0podcast.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I saw it, I was like, \u2018Damn, is that the most he could have got?’\u201d asked<\/a> Brunson. \u201cIt seemed low, but then I realized he got traded and I don\u2019t think he could get the max or whatever.\u201d Hart then jumped in with the specifics. \u201cHe could have signed four years like $220 mill or something. But if he didn\u2019t get traded, he would have gotten that five-year $317 million.\u201d<\/p>\n Not only did the extension shock Brunson, but he also expressed confusion at the initial trade<\/a> that sent Luka to LA.<\/p>\n That\u2019s the truth. Doncic getting dealt away from Dallas did save the Mavs organization a great deal of money. But at what cost? Just losing your beloved franchise player and killing the fanbase\u2019s faith in the franchise. I guess that\u2019s not too bad.<\/p>\n As for Luka, he can opt out of his 2028-2029 year, which would open him up so he could sign the largest extension of all time, one that is estimated to be for five years and $417 million. He\u2019s already on the Top 25 list of highest-earning players in league history, and he\u2019s only 26.<\/p>\n Brunson thought he would always be a backup to Doncic<\/p>\n