On Tuesday morning, the Dallas Mavericks' star guard Luka Docic met with members of the team in a Slovenian hotel. They discussed the possibility of extending their $207 million five-year contract. They were soon on stage to announce the news, Doncic stating that he had "never been in doubt" about signing it."It's an unforgettable moment here. He thanked Dallas for giving me this opportunity. "I don't know what I should say, because this is something that I had never expected. Although I had only hoped to play in the NBA, I am now able to sign a five-year extension with Dallas Mavericks, something I have always believed. This is what I've always wanted to do."Doncic was accompanied by his agents Bill Duffy, Quique Villalobos and Mark Cuban, Mavericks owner, general manager Nico Harrison, and coach Jason Kidd. Cuban began his remarks by speaking in Slovenian, Doncic smiling.Cuban stated, "This is an important day." "When Luka was drafted in 2018, we knew he would be a good player. We never thought he would be this talented. This is the result of much hard work. He wasn't content to show up; he worked hard all his life."To be able announce that he signed an extended contract with the Dallas Mavericks. We want him to copy -- not copy but to have the same kind of Hall of Fame career as Dirk [Nowitzki], who is sitting here in front row."The 22-year old guard quickly rose to the top of his league and emerged as one of the NBA’s brightest stars. Because he is eligible to receive a maximum because he has been on the All-NBA First Team twice, his contract is a landmark.Doncic answered questions in Slovene and English during a news conference lasting 30 minutes. Doncic's answers were translated by an interpreter. Doncic laughed when asked by a Slovenian journalist what he would spend his money on.Doncic stated via an interpreter, "Yeah it's a huge sum, but not still thinking about it," "I have not yet bought anything worth my while from this. But, I have to think about it before I spend."A contingent of Mavs traveled to Ljubljana (Slovenia) to present the contract offer while Doncic waited for the Olympics to conclude.Cuban stated that the Mavs presented the contract to Luka "just to confirm to Luka how valuable he is to me and how this is just beginning." We want him to know that we are there for him no matter where he is located, whether it's in Slovenia or Dallas. This involves getting to know him and understanding his priorities. His perspective. We were able to make that first step by meeting him, walking around the city, and then spending time together.Doncic was undoubtedly the best player in Tokyo. He scored 48 points in his Olympic debut, and set an Olympic record with 18 assists against France in the semifinals.It means a lot. It's amazing," Doncic stated via an interpreter regarding the Mavs visiting his hometown. It speaks volumes about the men who came to Ljubljana. This is a great event, you guys are amazing people.Doncic began his career with Real Madrid where he was the youngest EuroLeague MVP. The Atlanta Hawks took Doncic third in the 2018 draft, but he was traded immediately to Dallas for Trae Young, a future first-rounder.Cuban stated that the first time he was mentioned to me was during a preseason match between Real Madrid and the Thunder. There was much talk about him and I believe he scored on Russell Westbrook. Or guarded Russell. It got attention. He was a good friend and I kept in touch with him.Doncic signed the extension despite internal turmoil at the Mavericks, when Donnie Nelson, longtime GM, resigned and Rick Carlisle, leaving for the Indiana Pacers."First, I want to say how Dallas feels. It feels like my second home. He said that it feels like home, he felt great. "The people working for the organization are wonderful people. It's a place where I feel happy. "I can't think of anything else."
