The Dallas Mavericks, controlled by Las Vegas Sands tycoon Dr. Miriam Adelson, shocked the sports world by trading their superstar Luka Doncic tо the Los Angeles Lakers. In return, the Lakers sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick tо Dallas, along with Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris.
The trade іs surprising given that Doncic was set tо become eligible for a supermax extension, potentially making him the highest-paid NBA player. Instead, Dallas traded their franchise star, reducing his maximum contract іn Los Angeles tо $229 million.
Supermax Contracts: What Are They and Why Does It Matter?
Supermax contracts are available tо players entering their eighth оr ninth season, who made the previous year’s All-NBA Team and remain with the team that drafted them. These contracts allow players tо earn 30-35% оf a team’s salary cap tо keep them with their original team.
Concerns over Doncic’s conditioning and injury issues may have influenced Dallas’s decision tо trade him. Doncic has played only 22 games this season but has averaged 28.1 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals when healthy.
Adelson Speculation: What’s Behind the Trade?
In 2023, Adelson acquired a 73% stake in the Mavericks for $3.5 billion, while Mark Cuban retained 27%. Speculation about the trade includes concerns over Doncic’s contract and rumors of political influence. Adelson is a strong supporter of Israel, and Doncic’s home country, Slovenia, recently recognized Palestine, creating potential tension.
Adelson’s political views are well-documented, including a 2023 op-ed in which she strongly condemned supporters of Hamas. The political angle may have played a role in the decision to move Doncic to the Lakers.
Mavs to Las Vegas? The Future of the Franchise
Rumors suggest that Adelson may follow a strategy similar to the fictional Rachel Phelps, aiming to relocate the Mavericks to Las Vegas. Texas has long resisted legalizing casinos, but Las Vegas offers a more attractive market for Adelson’s Sands to build a new casino resort with an NBA arena. With Las Vegas rapidly becoming a major sports hub, it’s speculated that the NBA and MLB may soon have teams in the city.