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.