The suspicion and curiosity continue to swirl around the event that rocked the NBA world two weeks ago, and the news brought to light today could only invoke more chitter chatter. The expectation for the Dallas Mavericks to offer Luka Dončić a super-max contract next offseason was supposed to be part of the plan. Never did anyone imagine that not only would that never happen, but that Luka would be shipped out of Dallas altogether. Various reports circulated the actual reasoning behind Mavericks GM Nico Harrison’s decision to trade Dončić. Now, if these new reports prove to be accurate, it indeed has something to do with the super-max, but from the Mavericks side of things.
Mavericks Reportedly Held No “Super-Max” Loyalty Toward Luka Dončić
Dallas Mavericks Were Hesitant to Sign Luka Dončić Long-Term, Not the Other Way Around
Dončić growing hesitant to sign a super-max deal in Dallas was a rumor, despite him recently proclaiming he would have probably signed one this coming summer if Dallas had offered. The super-max Dončić would be eligible for would have been in the $345 million range for five years. Luka’s agent, Bill Duffy, also confirmed Luka’s intent to sign that super-max. However, new details reported out of The Athletic from Fred Katz, Mike Vorkunov, and Christian Clark collectively indicate that the Mavericks might have been unwilling to engage in any super-max dealings with Dončić. In fact, the trio reports that the Mavericks were “never going to offer” Luka a super-max at all.
If it wasn’t clear before, it’s clear now: the Mavericks did not see Luka as their long-term franchise leader. This further fuels the flames regarding how the Mavericks front office and ownership viewed Luka’s future health and physical shape. His dedication to his body has been questioned throughout his NBA career. However, given the development over the last two weeks, Luka’s health has never been in more question. The Athletic’s trio stated that Harrison and the Mavericks were losing hope in Luka’s ability to stay healthy and in shape and that his body would eventually start to break down. Therefore, the risk of offering a super-max did not appear logical.
No Super-Max Meant a Probable Exit Anyway
Hypothetically, suppose Dallas had not traded Luka to the Los Angeles Lakers, and he was still with them. And, again, suppose that in the summer, they offered him something other than the super-max, something less than. Would Luka still accept, knowing that he’s due for more? When does a superstar player up for a super-max deal accept a significantly smaller one instead and remain in the same city? In this case, Dallas could have likely seen Luka exit the Mavs anyway. If Dallas had chosen this route, the entire situation could have made for both parties a wild yet uncomfortable and inconvenient offseason.
Can the Lakers Offer Luka Enough to Make Him Want to Stay Long-Term?
Now that Luka is with the Lakers, they didn’t trade for him without feeling good about the prospects of making him into their franchise face and leader for years to come. They have something up their sleeve in terms of money and a deal. Unfortunately, it can’t be the super-max, as that possibility was nullified because of the trade. However, I’m sure they’ll slap down something on Luka’s table that will be enticing enough to pick the Lakers up after LeBron James‘s inevitable retirement.
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