NBA legend turned business tycoon Shaquille O’Neal has passed on the advice that he once got, to another bigwig in the league, Luka Doncic. It was Magic Johnson who had advised Big Diesel “to start owning things” eventually. The same advice has been directed to the Mavs star, as he is projected to earn beyond the $100 million mark in the future. Yes! You read it right: $100 million every year! Actually, after the recent lucrative broadcasting deal with NBC Sports, ESPN, and Amazon, players might expect hefty contracts coming their way. However, they must stay very alert.

Shaq’s stepfather, Philip Harrison, used to make the NBA legend learn through horrifying incidents and details. Being a drill sergeant, he ensured Big Diesel was away from bad influence and unwanted habits. Thanks to that, the former Laker still has money. It’s a fact that 65-70% of athletes have nothing left financially 3-4 years after retirement. And since Luka Doncic is bound to experience a career full of expensive fantasy and massive paychecks, Shaq didn’t mind giving Mavs star a piece of advice to escape bankruptcy.

Speaking on the $100 million management for Luka Doncic, Shaq shared on The Pat McAfee Show, “If I was him, I would say, okay, just pay me $20 million this year and defer that $80 million, just defer it to when I’m done playing. Because you know that $80 million is not gonna be $80 million after taxes.” The NBA legend was advising the Slovenian to keep a large chunk of money post-retirement for investment. Apparently, the young blood in the NBA has splurged tons of money without financial literacy. Even NFL vet Chad Johnson highlighted to Shannon Sharpe how players spend their money on “goddamn women.”

Shaq’s advice was to keep a little part now and save the rest for later, as he added, ” I don’t wanna see it till I am 35.” And it’s true about nine states in the USA don’t tax personal income. Even if they do, it should be above a certain limit to be taxable. So the hoops legend might’ve dropped golden words for Luka. Nevertheless, how will he go to earn $100 million, breaking current norms?

Luka Doncic’s $100 million NBA salary projection: Explained

Luka is currently on a five-year and about $215.2 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. He will enter the third year of his rookie extension. That means the Mavs might offer him a maximum extension next summer, as he has a player option for 2026-27. And by the trajectory that he is moving, he is sure to get the pay raise. The 25-year-old averaged 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds and 9.8 assists last season.

And this performance will get better as the point guard has not reached his prime yet. Keeping that in mind, the next contract for Luka Doncic can bump up to $78.8 million by 2031. However, it is only possible if he gets 35% of the projected cap in 2027 with annual raises, including the influx because of the recent media rights deal. If the spree continues, the next deal might surpass the $500 million mark for Luka in a single contract!

Actually, if the cap goes on with a 10% hike, Doncic will earn $87.4 million in 2031, $94.4 million in 2032 and $101.4 million in 2033. Surprisingly, other NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on even bigger deals, might go beyond this mark as well. However, it is still an optimistic imagination for the future, which most probably will come true.

What would you have done with such a big paycheck? Let us know in the comments below.