The projected salary cap increases will lessen the financial hit to Luka. He won't lose quite as much as is being stated.
Luka is absolutely going to lose a lot of money. However with the projected 10% per year increases to the Salary Cap, it might not be as bad as is being reported.
His starting salary on the Supermax is far higher. However it only increases at a fixed 8% of the initial amount. The projected Max contract by the last year is quite close by comparison, since it is 10% compound increases to the Salary Cap. It is being reported the Salary Cap will increase at the maximum allowed due to the new TV deal, but this isn't guaranteed.
Here are his Supermax and the projected Max contracts available for the coming seasons:
| Season | Supermax | New Max |
|---|---|---|
| 2026/27 | $59,713,500 | $51,183,000 |
| 2027/28 | $64,490,580 | $56,301,300 |
| 2028/29 | $69,267,660 | $61,931,430 |
| 2029/30 | $74,044,740 | $68,124,573 |
| 2030/31 | $78,821,820 | $74,937,030 |
Luka's Supermax would have net him $346 million. The most he can make now, would be to sign 2 year Max extensions repeatedly, netting him $310 million. Theoretically, he could make $312 million if he signs a 1 year deal as a free agent, every season.
He's still going to lose a lot of money. But not anywhere near the $100 million being thrown around. Closer to $35-40 million depending on his extensions choices.