JUST IN: No. 1 American Player Luka Dončić Signs $90.1 Million Contract with Cleveland Cavaliers in Bombshell Decision Over Milwaukee Bucks
JUST IN: No. 1 American Player Luka Dončić Signs $90.1 Million Contract with Cleveland Cavaliers in Bombshell Decision Over Milwaukee Bucks
Cleveland, OH – In a seismic shift that has sent shockwaves across the NBA landscape, Luka Dončić, widely considered the No. 1 American player, has signed a massive $90.1 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, stunning fans and insiders alike by choosing the Cavs over the heavily favored Milwaukee Bucks.
The deal, confirmed by Dončić’s representatives early Thursday morning, is reportedly a three-year pact with a player option in the final season. Sources say the Cavaliers sealed the agreement following an aggressive push that included private meetings with team executives, an impromptu visit to Cleveland by Dončić’s inner circle, and promises of building a championship-contending roster around him.
A Stunning Turn of Events
Few could have predicted this outcome just a week ago. The Milwaukee Bucks were widely believed to be the frontrunners, offering a competitive contract and the opportunity to pair Dončić with Giannis Antetokounmpo in what would have been an offensive juggernaut. Instead, Dončić has chosen a new path, one that suggests he’s ready to lead his own team into title contention rather than join an established superstar’s domain.
“This wasn’t just about money,” a source close to Dončić told ESPN. “This was about legacy, leadership, and trusting the Cavaliers’ vision for the future.”
Cavaliers’ Big Bet
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, this marks the biggest free-agent acquisition since the return of LeBron James in 2014. General Manager Koby Altman and head coach J.B. Bickerstaff had been quietly working behind the scenes to lure Dončić, pitching him on a young, promising core that includes All-Star guard Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
“This is a transformative moment for our franchise,” Altman said during a press conference held just hours after the announcement. “Luka is a generational talent and a true competitor. He has the drive, the IQ, and the leadership we need to take this team to the next level.”
Dončić’s Motivation
Dončić, who had spent his entire NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks, had long expressed loyalty to the franchise. However, sources say his frustrations with inconsistent roster moves and playoff disappointments ultimately led him to explore other options. His free agency decision came down to two teams: the Cavaliers and the Bucks.
“Cleveland just felt right,” Dončić said in a statement. “They showed me I’d be the centerpiece, not just a piece. I’m excited to help bring another championship to this city.”
Reaction from Around the League
The move has caused a ripple effect across the NBA, with analysts calling it the boldest free agency decision of the offseason. Social media exploded with reactions, ranging from disbelief to excitement.
“This changes everything in the East,” TNT’s Charles Barkley commented. “Cleveland just went from playoff hopefuls to legit contenders overnight.”
Meanwhile, Milwaukee is left to regroup. Sources say the Bucks were “blindsided” by Dončić’s decision, having believed their pitch and roster appeal were enough to secure his signature. There are now questions about how the Bucks will recalibrate their strategy around Antetokounmpo, whose own contract situation is expected to be under the microscope next summer.
What’s Next?
Dončić is expected to join the Cavaliers for training camp in late September, where he’ll begin integrating into a system designed around his elite playmaking and scoring abilities. Expectations are sky-high, and Cleveland fans—who haven’t seen their team truly contend since LeBron’s departure—are buzzing with hope and anticipation.
From Slovenia to Dallas and now to Cleveland, Luka Dončić’s basketball journey continues to captivate the world. One thing is certain: the Eastern Conference jus
t got a whole lot more interesting.
