Luka Doncic recently secured a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, a deal that has drawn unexpected reactions due to its seemingly modest size. While Doncic’s new contract ensures financial security in the near term, many believe he might have earned more had he stayed with the Dallas Mavericks.
Doncic’s contract options varied, ranging from a four-year deal worth about $229 million, offering longer-term stability, to a more flexible two-year extension including a player option. Ultimately, he chose the three-year plan, a strategy that might allow him to pursue an even more lucrative deal in the future.
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart React to the Extension Details
The announcement of Doncic’s extension surprised not only fans but also fellow players, including New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson. Brunson, who played alongside Doncic in Dallas, discussed the contract on the Roommates Show podcast with teammate Josh Hart, expressing his astonishment at the figures involved.
“When I saw it, I was like, ‘Damn, is that the most he could have got?’”
—Jalen Brunson
“It seemed low, but then I realized he got traded and I don’t think he could get the max or whatever.”
—Jalen Brunson
Hart added important context by detailing differences in potential contract values:
“He could have signed four years like $220 mill or something. But if he didn’t get traded, he would have gotten that five-year $317 million.”
—Josh Hart
Brunson also voiced confusion around the Lakers’ decision to trade for Doncic, questioning the consequences for the Mavericks fanbase and organization.
While Dallas saved a considerable amount of salary by trading their franchise player, fans were left grappling with the loss of their star talent, impacting trust and enthusiasm toward the Mavericks.
Luka Doncic’s Future Financial Prospects and Career Potential
Looking ahead, Doncic retains the option to opt out of the final year (2028-2029) of his contract, which would position him to negotiate what could be the largest extension in NBA history—an estimated five-year deal valued around $417 million. Already among the top 25 highest-earning players in league history, Doncic’s earning potential at age 26 remains significant.
Jalen Brunson’s Unexpected Rise from Backup to Star
Jalen Brunson’s perspective on Luka Doncic’s contract extends beyond the numbers, reflecting his own career transformation. Initially, Brunson expected to serve as Doncic’s backup for much of his time in Dallas, embracing a supporting role.
“You never know what can be down the road for you,”
—Jalen Brunson
“I didn’t think I’d be in this position. I was like, ‘Alright. I could play in this league a long time. Backup Luka my entire career. That’s what I’m thinking.”
—Jalen Brunson
“And then you just accept it. You keep building your role and all of a sudden you’re in a whole different role.”
—Jalen Brunson
Brunson’s role dramatically shifted as he became a central figure for the Knicks, leading them to an Eastern Conference Finals appearance last season and coming close to returning the team to the NBA Finals.
Implications for the Mavericks and NBA Rivalries
The Mavericks’ path altered significantly after trading Doncic and losing Brunson as a teammate. Hypothetically, had both players remained in Dallas, their combined talents might have brought championship success to the franchise. Now, their futures are set on separate courses, potentially setting the stage for intense rivalries in future playoff matchups.