Luka Doncic isn't just one of the NBA's most dazzling talents; he's also one of its highest-paid stars, commanding a salary that reflects his status as a perennial MVP candidate and the face of the Dallas Mavericks. For the 2023-24 season, Doncic is earning a hefty $40,064,220, a figure that places him squarely among the league's elite financial earners.
Doncic's Supermax Deal: A Game-Changer
This astronomical figure is part of the groundbreaking five-year, $215.16 million designated rookie extension he signed with the Mavericks in August 2021. This "supermax" deal, which kicked in for the 2022-23 season, represented the largest contract extension in NBA history at the time it was signed by a player coming off a rookie deal. It showcases the Mavericks' unwavering commitment to their Slovenian phenom, securing his services through the 2026-27 season.
Compared to his peers, Doncic's earnings are right where they should be for a player of his caliber. While he may not be the single highest-paid player in the league – a title often held by veterans like Stephen Curry or Nikola Jokic due to different contract timings and structures – he is undoubtedly in the upper echelon. His current salary puts him alongside fellow young superstars like Trae Young and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, all of whom have capitalized on their early career success with max extensions.
Doncic's financial trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. Drafted third overall in 2018, he initially signed a four-year, $32.6 million rookie contract. That modest sum pales in comparison to his current earnings, illustrating the incredible growth in his value. From a promising rookie to a solidified superstar, Luka's salary progression mirrors his journey to becoming one of the NBA's most dominant and marketable athletes.