By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Just hours after the arrival of the Mavs brass, Luka Doncic agreed to extend his contract for five more years for a total of $207 million, a new record in NBA rookie extension deals.
“Today is a dream come true”, stated Doncic to ESPN per Adrian Wojnarowski, while a press conference is expected to be held in a few hours in Ljubljana.
“The game of basketball has given me so much and has taken me to so many amazing places. I am humbled and excited to remain in Dallas as part of the Mavericks and appreciate the support of my fans.
“Along with this new contract, I am also happy to announce that I am increasing my efforts and focusing on expanding The Luka Dončić Foundation. My foundation is an international non-profit that will give back to places that mean so much to me like my home country of Slovenia, as well as the communities in North Texas.
“I’m happy to share in partnership with 2K Foundations we are unveiling two basketball courts here in Slovenia soon. We are refurbishing my childhood courts where I learned and practiced the game. The opportunity for kids to play on the same courts and pursue the same dreams I had is something I’m excited about.”
Doncic, 22, has committed to extending his contract since the end of the 2020-21 NBA season but has since focused on leading Slovenia to the Olympic Games and playing in Tokyo. His national team finished fourth on the final standings.
The Slovenian sensation has established himself as the franchise cornerstone at Dallas. The Mavericks group making the trip to Ljubljana certainly adds a personal touch on the contract extension and confirms him in his role as a leading player.
Despite his age, Doncic after three seasons in the NBA is already twice an NBA All-Star and an All-NBA first-team selection, after winning the rookie of the year award.