Mavericks’ Luka Dončić Discusses Possibility of Returning to Play in Europe
Luka Dončić already has established himself as one of the best players in the NBA at age 24. The Mavericks guard was a top-rated prospect after spending the early stages of his professional career in Europe, playing for Real Madrid from 2014-15 through the 2017-18 season.
Although nothing immediate seems to point to a likelihood of Dončić considering a move back overseas, he did address that possibility during a recent interview with Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops.com.
“I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for Real Madrid. I learned everything here: speaking, studying and playing basketball. I’d like to take a lot of teammates with me: Rudy, Llull, a coach, a physio,” Dončić said. “I’ve got a lot of great memories, and I’m happy to be back. If I return to Europe one day, I’m sure it will be to Real Madrid. That’s 100%.”
Dončić is currently under contract to the Mavericks through the 2026-27 season, and the last season of that pact is a player’s option. He will become eligible to sign an extension with Dallas in 2025, when he could command the NBA’s first $80 million salary.
Dončić’s final season with Real Madrid came in 2017-18, when he averaged 16 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists over 33 EuroLeague games.
