As Luka Doncic signs an extension, the Dallas Mavericks (and their front office) are now on the clock.
The Dallas Mavericks have locked up Luka Doncic for the foreseeable future. Luka and the Mavs agreed to a five-year, $200-plus million rookie extension that will presumably keep him in Dallas through the 2025-26 season. Now, though, the clock really begins for the Mavs’ front office.
With Luka locked in, it’s essential that the front office begin to work its magic in doing what it can to find the right players to surround him with. Through his first three seasons in the league, Luka has been one of the most impressive players.
Luka is arguably already a top 5 player and is still getting better. The big problem for Luka has been once the postseason arrives.
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Against much stiffer competition in the Western Conference, Luka has never had the necessary help in the playoffs. Through two playoffs series with the Mavs, Luka has shined individually but has no series wins to show for it yet.
The hope is that will soon begin to change. Considering the Mavs failed to add a significant player during this year’s offseason is quite disappointing. It’s tough to see how Dallas is going to add a second or third player moving forward, but it seems it will almost definitely have to come via trade.
And with the Kristaps Porzingis situation still unresolved, there are still more questions than answers regarding this team’s roster heading into next season.
Can Mark Cuban and the front office deliver?
The good news is that Mark Cuban isn’t one to stick around and settle. Even though he hasn’t had many “transactional wins” in Dallas, he is one to try and roll the dice on going all-in. And with Luka now recruiting on his side, it’s likely that, sooner rather than later, Cuban will eventually hit on one of these offseason sweepstakes.
The Mavs getting Luka to sign the supermax extension is not the endpoint. It’s a great sign for the future and puts them in a good position moving forward. Though, despite recent reporting, Luka was never not going to sign the max extension.
Cuban and the rest of the Mavs’ front office are now on the clock. Luka has done his part; it’s now time for Dallas to surround him with a championship-worthy supporting cast. And that will be even more difficult than getting Luka to sign an extension.