In a blockbuster trade that sent shockwaves through the NBA, the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers exchanged their franchise superstars, Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis. Beyond its on-court ramifications, the deal also has significant financial implications for Dončić.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Dončić will no longer be eligible to sign the $345 million Supermax extension with the Lakers. Instead, the best financial move for the 25-year-old would be to sign a three-year extension this summer, with a player option for the 2028-29 season. This strategy would allow him to achieve 10 years of service in the league, enabling him to recover most, if not all, of the lost earnings from the missed Supermax.
If Dončić follows this route, his projected starting salary for the 2028-29 season could reach a staggering $72 million.
Before suffering an injury on Christmas Day against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dončić was averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. Though he has not played since, reports from Marc Stein indicate that Dončić is targeting a return to action on February 8.
