Where Luka Doncic's Contract Ranks Among Giannis, Steph, Russ, NBA's Largest Deals
Aug 9, 2021
DALLAS, TX - MAY 28: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks smiles during the game against the LA Clippers during Round 1, Game 3 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on May 28, 2021 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic was a few million dollars short of making NBA history.
Bill Duffy, Doncic's agent, confirmed to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski the two-time All-Star agreed to a five-year, $207 million extension with Dallas on Monday. When it's official, it will be the fourth-biggest contract in the league right now, per Spotrac.
Biggest NBA Contracts Ever
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miwaukee Bucks: five years, $228,200,420
2. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors: four years, $215,353,664
3. Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers: five-years, $206,794,070
T4. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks: five years, $207,000,000*
T4. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks: five years, $207,000,000*
5. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors: five years, $205,000,002
* full details are not yet official
A supermax offer was inevitable from Dallas, especially after the Atlanta Hawks tabled the same contract to Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young, per Wojnarowski.
The 22-year-old is averaging 25.7 points, 8.4 rebounds and 7.7 assists through his first three seasons. He's also coming off a first-round postseason series in which he put up 35.7 points and 10.3 assists per game.
The only question regarding Doncic's immediate future was whether he'd sign on the dotted line. The Mavericks' exit at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers illustrated how far they still need to go to be a title contender, while The Athletic's Tim Cato and Sam Amick reported on some of the organization's internal turmoil.
Team governor Mark Cuban called the report "total bulls--t," but Dallas quickly saw head coach Rick Carlisle depart and fired general manager Donnie Nelson.
But turning down $207 million was probably never a realistic possibility for Doncic.
Luka Doncic smiles widely when asked if he plans to sign a supermax extension this summer: “I think you know the answer.”
It's still way too early to make any firm judgments about the Mavericks' outlook, especially with a new head coach (Jason Kidd) and GM (Nico Harrison) in charge. Perhaps Kidd will find a more optimal way to utilize Kristaps Porzingis as the No. 2 option alongside Doncic, and Harrison could find ways to improve the roster around the margins that collectively add up in a big way.
Adding to the squad might be a little easier with Doncic's status cemented for the next few seasons.
Trae Young, Hawks Reportedly Expected to Finalize Max Contract Worth Up to $207m
Aug 2, 2021
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 03: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks argues a technical foul during the second half in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks at State Farm Arena on July 03, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks reportedly are set to sign Trae Young to a maximum contract extension.
Jeff Schultz of The Athletic first reported Monday the deal should be announced soon after midnight ET, when players are eligible to sign rookie extensions.
Sam Amick of The Athletic later confirmed the report, stating the agreement will be for five years and $170 million and noting it includes "a supermax trigger that could push it to $201.5 million."
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN later reported the deal was worth $207 million.
This is as close to a no-brainer as can exist in the NBA.
Young is fresh off leading the Hawks to a berth in the Eastern Conference Finals, establishing himself in three seasons as an iconic figure. He averaged 25.3 points and 9.4 assists per game last season and has played with a brash confidence that has only further ingratiated him to the fanbase.
Young has qualified for the 25 percent rookie max but can earn the rookie supermax by being named to an All-NBA team in 2021-22.
Jerry Colangelo Says Trae Young 'Didn't Fit the Bill This Time Around' for Team USA
Jul 30, 2021
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 6: Managing Director Jerry Colangelo of Team USA looks on during USAB Mens National Team practice at the Mendenhall Center on July 6, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young may be a fit for the U.S. men's national team in the future, he just wasn't what the Olympic team was looking for in 2021.
Speaking to reporters about Young's snub, Team USA managing director Jerry Colangelo defended his decision by saying Young's skill set didn't fit what the team needed to compete in Tokyo.
"I'm happy that he wants to play for USA Basketball," Colangelo said. "He's done really well in the NBA. But predicated on what we felt we needed, he didn't fit the bill this time around. He's a young player, he has a future with USA Basketball, but it was the opinion of our staff that it wasn't now. It's for others to make the declaration you made a mistake."
Those types of comments may come back to haunt Colangelo if Team USA continues to struggle against top competition. The U.S. Olympic team dropped exhibitions to Nigeria and Australia before traveling to Tokyo, then dropped its Olympic opener to France, 83-76.
Roster construction may not be the sole reason for those stumbles, but it is among the first questions to ask about the team's struggles. Colangelo knows this. He's also convinced the United States will make those questions irrelevant by winning gold this summer.
"If we don't win, people will have their opportunity to take shots. I'm the one that has to look in the mirror and know that I did my best," Colangelo said. "I'll tell you in advance the answer is yes. I believe we're going to win."
Young is still just 22 years old, coming off his first postseason run and beginning to reach his prime. He averaged 25.3 points, 9.4 assists and shot 43.8 percent from the field in 63 games last season.
By the next Olympics in 2024, Young will be 26 and likely an established star on the global stage. As much as Team USA would love to carry every talented American it can, Colangelo said the pandemic changed how he was able to scout for the national team and he was left relying more on his experience as much as anything.
"It's challenging when you can't even go out the door, except to practice or to a game. It's really hard," Colangelo said. "If all things were equal, we all had the same time to practice, we all had our rosters set... I don't think we'd be having this discussion. I don't. But that's not the case. So we are going to do everything we can to overcome it now, and I believe we will."
Hawks' Trae Young: 'All I Wanted to Do This Season Was Prove That I Can Win'
Jul 4, 2021
ATLANTA, GA - JULY 3: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on July 3, 2021 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young came into the 2020-21 NBA season developing a reputation as an empty-stats superstar.
He'll leave it having more than earned his playoff stripes after the Hawks reached the Eastern Conference Finals.
"All I wanted to do this season was prove that I can win," Young told reporters after Atlanta's Game 6 118-107 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Young scored just 14 points on 4-of-17 shooting as he returned from an ankle injury that cost him Games 4 and 5.
"This s--t is hard," Young said of postseason basketball. "It's not easy. This whole thing is about experience. You have to go through it to—I mean, you really have to go through this. You see in the West, you see [Chris Paul] has never been to the Finals in his 16 years.
"This is hard. It's not easy. You really have to go through it. I think what he did and what he's been through really helped the Suns team, and what this team has been through with the Bucks, they've been to this point a couple times. I know that feeling; they didn't want to go home again. I think for us we've got that same feeling now, and it's the same thing."
Young averaged 28.8 points, 9.5 assists and 2.8 rebounds during Atlanta's postseason run, becoming public enemy No. 1 in New York and Philadelphia as he clowned crowds while eliminating the Knicks and Sixers. He seemed to embrace the role of postseason villain in those cities while becoming arguably the most must-see star of these playoffs on a national level.
Concerns about his game's ability to translate to the postseason proved unfounded. Young drew fouls at a similar rate to the regular season, knocked down regular 30-footers and, at times, single-handedly willed the Hawks to wins over favored opponents.
The run took an unfortunate turn when Young went down with an injury in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, becoming the latest in a series of stars to suffer injuries this postseason. Young said it was "frustrating" to be forced out for series-changing games.
"For me, not being able to be out there for my team for two games, and then tonight just wanting to battle and try to fight through it as much as I could and try to be out there for my team, it's definitely frustrating not being healthy and not being able to give my full 100 percent."
Bucks Beat Trae Young, Hawks to Advance to NBA Finals as Giannis Sits with Injury
Jul 4, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) drives against Atlanta Hawks forward Cam Reddish (22) during the first half of Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals in the NBA basketball playoffs Saturday, July 3, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Khris Middleton scored 23 third-quarter points en route to 32 overall as the Milwaukee Bucks advanced to the NBA Finals with a 118-107 win over the host Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference Finals series on Saturday in State Farm Arena.
The Bucks led 47-45 early in the third quarter after a layup from Hawks center Clint Capela, but Middleton went on a personal 13-0 run to give Milwaukee a 60-45 edge.
The Bucks, who never trailed, led 91-72 heading into the fourth quarter and held an advantage of six or more points for the remainder of the game despite a late Hawks charge.
Jrue Holiday complemented Middleton's effort by posting a near-triple-double (27 points, nine assists and nine rebounds) to help overcome the absence of Bucks forward and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remained out of the lineup with a hyperextended left knee suffered in Game 4.
Hawks guard and 2019-20 All-Star Trae Young returned after missing two games with a right foot bone bruise suffered in Game 3. He had 14 points on 4-of-17 shooting, nine assists and five turnovers.
Atlanta forward Cam Reddish excelled off the bench, dropping a team-high 21 points and hitting six of seven three-pointers.
The Bucks are now seeking their first NBA title since 1971, when they swept the Baltimore Bullets in the championship round. They haven't played in the Finals since 1974.
Notable Performances
Bucks F Khris Middleton: 32 points, 7 assists, 3 steals
Without Giannis, Middleton Guides Bucks Into NBA Finals
The Bucks faced a tough task when Antetokounmpo, who averaged 28.1 points, 11.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists during the regular season, suffered a knee injury during Game 4.
That's a lot of production to replace in short order, and the Bucks faltered without their superstar in Game 4, eventually losing 110-88.
However, the Bucks rebounded and were able to make the NBA Finals without Antetokounmpo, and Middleton played the biggest role in that effort.
Middleton posted 26 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds in Game 5, which the Bucks won 123-112.
On Saturday, the two-time All-Star caught fire during his personal 13-0 third-quarter run, hitting a pair of three-pointers, a couple of two-point buckets and a three-point play in a two-minute span. He ended up scoring the Bucks' first 16 third-quarter points en route to 23 in the frame on 8-of-11 shooting.
Khris Middleton scored 15 points in a quarter for the 4th time this postseason, 3rd-most behind Donovan Mitchell and Kevin Durant who both did so 5 times. pic.twitter.com/2BLy3nCkDJ
Most importantly, though, Middleton's third-quarter outburst ultimately gave the Bucks enough cushion to survive a late fourth-quarter run from the Hawks, who fought until the very end.
However, Middleton proved to be too strong on this night, and now Milwaukee is looking for its first championship in 50 years.
Once Again, Hawks Fight and Claw to the Finish
Milwaukee appeared destined for a blowout win as it took a 22-point lead early in the fourth quarter, but the Hawks had other ideas.
They pared the Bucks' lead down to as many as six points in the quarter following a Capela dunk to cut the deficit to 107-101 with 3:41 left.
Down the stretch, a Bogdan Bogdanovic three-pointer cut Milwaukee's edge to 113-106 with 1:20 remaining.
A defensive stop and another Atlanta bucket would have made this a two-possession game in the closing minute, but it wasn't meant to be. Middleton found P.J. Tucker for a corner three-pointer, and that all but sealed the Bucks' Eastern Conference title.
It was a disappointing finish for the Hawks, but Atlanta deserves much credit for never giving up, which has been the case multiple times in the playoffs.
The Hawks trailed by 26 points in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers but won 109-106. The game before, they were down 18 before coming back and winning 103-100.
The Bucks' seven-point lead with under four minutes left in Game 1 also evaporated against the Hawks, who ended up taking the series opener 116-113.
On Saturday, they made things interesting in a game that looked over.
The Hawks trailed 102-84 with 8:17 left, but the Hawks went on an 8-0 run capped by a John Collins three-point play:
The Bucks maintained their distance and led 107-94 with 5:25 on the clock, but Reddish kept Atlanta alive, nailing a three-pointer to give the Hawks a glimmer of hope:
The Bucks offense was too strong, though, as Holiday responded with a bucket. The Bucks led by seven or more from that point on en route to the win.
Still, the Hawks' grit and perseverance haven't gone unnoticed.
For starters, the fact that Young played was impressive enough. He clearly looked hampered by his foot injury, as evidenced by his off-shooting night. But he gutted it out for his team in hopes of avoiding elimination, symbolizing the heart and tenacity that the Hawks have sported all postseason.
Reddish had been out for four months with right Achilles soreness before returning for the Bucks series on a minutes restriction, and he was the Hawks' best player Saturday, playing 29 minutes.
The Hawks have clearly established a new identity under interim head coach Nate McMillan, who deserves to be the long-term sideline solution after he joined a team that was 14-20 before he arrived.
They're a scrappy team that doesn't quit with a bevy of good long-range shooters and talented big men who have room for even more improvement.
The season may not have ended the way they wanted, but the Hawks aren't leaving the playoff scene any time soon.
What's Next?
A championship drought will end shortly.
The Bucks will face the Phoenix Suns, who have never won a title and are making their first Finals appearance since 1993.
Game 1 will be at Phoenix Suns Arena on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET.
Report: Hawks' Trae Young Will Play ECF Game 6 vs. Bucks After Foot Injury
Jul 3, 2021
MILWAUKEE, WI - JULY 1: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on July 1, 2021 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young will return to action for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, according to ESPN's Malika Andrews and Adrian Wojnarowski. Young (bone bruise) missed the last two games. He rejoins an Atlanta team facing a 3-2 series deficit and on the brink of elimination.
Hawks star Trae Young will play in Game 6 tonight vs. Milwaukee, sources tell @wojespn and me. Young missed the last two games with a bone bruise in his right foot.
The Texas native suffered a bruised bone in his right foot after accidentally stepping on an official during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks with immediate consequences. The playmaker missed Games 4 and 5 as the Hawks reached the brink of elimination, trailing Milwaukee 3-2 heading into Game 6.
That's not entirely due to Young's absence, but the Oklahoma product changes the way the Hawks' offense operates with Young's outside shooting helping stretch out an already lengthy Bucks' defense.
Through 15 postseason games, Young is averaging 29.8 points, 9.5 assists and three three-pointers made per night.
While Young was absent, Atlanta turned to Lou Williams, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Kevin Huerter, asking the trio to play an even bigger role on both sides of the floor. Atlanta interim head coach Nate McMillan will get a bit of relief with Young back in action, but will need his star to be at his best right away or prepare to head into the offseason.
Game 6 tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET on TNT.
Hawks' Trae Young Questionable for ECF Game 6 vs. Bucks with Foot Injury
Jul 2, 2021
Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young plays during Game 5 in a second-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, Wednesday, June 16, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young is listed as questionable for Game 6 of his team's Eastern Conference Finals series against the Milwaukee Bucks with a right foot bone bruise, per Marc Stein of the New York Times.
Young suffered a freak injury in Game 3 when he stepped on a referee's foot after making a pass late in the third quarter against Milwaukee on Sunday.
Trae Young heads to the locker room with an apparent ankle injury
Atlanta announced Young suffered a bone bruise and officially listed him as questionable for Game 4. The All-Star guard sat out Tuesday's game, which the Hawks won 110-88 to even the series at two games apiece.
Despite some hope that he would be able to return for Game 5, the Hawks ruled Young out just prior to tipoff Thursday. Milwaukee won 123-112 to take a 3-2 series lead.
Young has been the driving force behind Atlanta's run to the Eastern Conference Finals. The 22-year-old is averaging 29.8 points and 9.5 assists in his first 15 playoff games.
Hawks interim head coach Nate McMillan has opted to go with Lou Williams in his starting lineup in Young's absence.
Atlanta hosts Milwaukee for Game 6 on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET in State Farm Arena. The Hawks need to win to keep their season alive.
Hawks' Trae Young Reportedly out for ECF Game 5 vs. Bucks Because of Foot Injury
Jul 1, 2021
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 29: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on June 29, 2021 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks superstar Trae Young will miss Game 5 with a bone bruise in his right foot, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Malika Andrews.
Per that report, "Young will continue to rehab with hopes of playing in the Eastern Conference Finals Game 6 on Saturday in Atlanta."
Young, who suffered the injury in Game 3 after accidentally stepping on a referee's foot, also missed Atlanta's 110-88 win in Game 4.
"He just didn't feel comfortable enough to go tonight," Nate McMillan says of Trae Young.
Trae hasn't suffered any kind of setback, however, McMillan says.
The Milwaukee Bucks will be equally shorthanded in the matchup, however, with superstar big man Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled out for the contest earlier on Thursday with a hyperextended left knee.
Young, 22, has been nothing short of spectacular in this postseason, averaging 29.8 points, 9.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 42.7 percent from the field, 32.6 percent from three and 86.6 percent from the line.
The Hawks managed to survive his absence in Game 4, led by a balanced performance that saw six Hawks score in double-digit figures, including Lou Williams (21 points, eight assists) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (20 points, 6-of-14 from three).
The Hawks also got some good news before the game, as center Clint Capela will be available to play after suffering right eye inflammation late in Game 4 after being hit with an inadvertent elbow.
It's a key game, as a win would give the Hawks the chance to close out the series in Game 6 at home. A loss, however, would mean the Hawks would need to win a Game 7 in Milwaukee to win the series.
The Hawks proved once they could win without Young. Doing so again would be huge for their title aspirations.
The injuries suffered by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Trae Young have affected the daily fantasy basketball strategies of everyone taking part in contests for the Eastern Conference Finals...
Hawks' Trae Young Questionable for Game 5 vs. Bucks with Foot Injury
Jun 30, 2021
Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young (11) reacts after he scores during the second half of Game 4 of a second-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, June 14, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Hawks superstar guard Trae Young is questionable for Thursday's crucial Game 5 matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals because of the foot injury he suffered in Game 3, the Hawks announced Wednesday.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported Wednesday that "there is not great optimism" that Young will play in Game 5:
The 22-year-old is one of the most talented and dynamic guards in the NBA, and he proved that during the regular season when he averaged 25.3 points, 9.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 2.2 three-pointers made per game.
The only thing able to slow Young down during the playoffs has been a foot injury suffered Sunday that kept him out of Tuesday's Game 4 and now threatens his status for Game 5.
Being without a player of Young's caliber for any period of time is a hindrance, although the Hawks have a deceptively deep and talented roster capable of coming together as a team without him.
There is no clear go-to scorer when Young is out, but Atlanta is able to get the job done collectively with the likes of John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Danilo Gallinari, Kevin Huerter and Clint Capela stepping up.
From a guard perspective, the player most likely to see an uptick in playing time and production when Young is out is veteran Lou Williams, who is a three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year and an offensive catalyst.
It could also result in more playing time for Cam Reddish despite the fact that he hasn't played or contributed a ton during the postseason because of his own injuries.
Young is a game-changing player capable of taking over and elevating the Hawks unlike anyone else on the roster. Potentially being without that hurts, but the Hawks have proved they are able to win without their best player, which isn't something many NBA teams can say.
