The Dallas Mavericks’ season came to a disappointing end Sunday as the team fell in Game 7 of their first round playoff series with the Los Angeles Clippers. As the offseason begins for the Mavericks, the team must address a number of matters that it faces. First and foremost, it needs to plan on extending budding superstar Luka Doncic.
Doncic is still on his rookie contract, and is scheduled to earn $10.1 million for the 2021-22 season—a steal for a player of his caliber. However, he is eligible to sign a five-year, rookie scale maximum contract extension in the range of $200 million at 30% of the salary cap this summer. When asked about whether or not he would sign an extension with Dallas during a press conference Monday, he indicated that the decision is a no-brainer.
“I think you know the answer,” Doncic said, smiling.
If Doncic does sign an extension, it will be a windfall for him financially. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Doncic will earn $34.7 million for the 2022-23 season, the first year of his extension. From there it increases to $37.5 million, $40.3 million, $43.1 million and $45.9 million for the 2026-27 season. These numbers are based on a $115 million salary cap in 2022-23.
This season, Doncic averaged 27.2 points, eight rebounds and 8.6 assists in 66 games. He shot the ball at a clip of 47.9% overall and 35% on three-pointers—both career highs. He also made his second consecutive All-Star appearance. In the playoffs, he increased his production, averaging 35.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 10.3 assists. In the seven-game series, he shot 49% overall and 40.8% from deep.
Doncic is expected to be selected to an All-NBA team this season, making his max extension possible.