The NBA’s newest multi-millionaire doesn’t obsess over money.

“I don’t think about it. It’s a nice contract, but really if you have $10 million dollars (per year) how can you spend that? You want to go into a contract like that and achieve,” Dallas Mavericks forward Raef LaFrentz said.

The 6-foot-11, 265-pound, 26-year-old former Kansas University All-American on Tuesday signed a seven-year contract with the Mavs worth $69 million.

“I can’t complain. My gosh, I feel very fortunate and lucky lucky to have been given the talents I’ve been given and the ability to develop those talents,” LaFrentz said.

“I am playing basketball for a living. It is a dream in itself to be able to do that.”

LaFrentz’s comments are genuine, too, said two of his former KU teammates C.B. McGrath and Jerod Haase, who are working as administrative assistants on Roy Williams’ KU basketball staff.

“I’m thrilled for Raef. The amount of money is staggering,” said Haase, who started alongside LaFrentz for three college seasons from 1995 to ’97. “The neat thing is Raef doesn’t need money to be happy. He is a down-to-earth guy.”

“Obviously he has a lot of money, but you wouldn’t know it from being around him,” McGrath said. “He is frugal. He doesn’t live the lavish lifestyle. He came to town for Jacque’s (Vaughn) wedding. It’s not like he went out and rented a limo with a hot tub in it. He does a good job of saving his money.”

LaFrentz has maintained his Iowa roots, last summer purchasing some land near his hometown of Monona, Iowa.

“It’s basically for recreational purposes. I own a mile of riverfront property with timber, fishing and hunting. It keeps my dad busy,” LaFrentz said with a laugh.

Haase and McGrath and their wives recently spent some quality time with LaFrentz and his wife, Joie, on a week-long Caribbean cruise.

“We went on a couple excursions. We went to some caves and explored, but mainly hung out at the pool and relaxed,” McGrath said.

“It was a nice, relaxing way to wind down after the season,” Haase said. “We didn’t talk much about contracts or basketball.”

Owner likes former Jayhawk: Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban told the Journal-World he is “fired up to have Raef locked in for the long term. Raef is a great addition on the court, and he and his wife Joie are wonderful ambassadors on and off the court. We are proud to have him continue to be part of our championship quest.”

Money, money, money: LaFrentz isn’t the only former Kansas player earning big bucks in the NBA. Paul Pierce’s six-year contract with the Boston Celtics worth $83.68 million begins this season.

Scot Pollard’s six-year $30.70-million pact with Sacramento ends in 2005-06. Greg Ostertag’s six-year $30-million pact with Utah concludes in 2003-04.

Drew Gooden is beginning a three-year deal with Memphis worth $9,013,560. Meanwhile, Vaughn of the Orlando Magic will make $700,000 next season.

It remains to be seen if high school prospects will notice all the money some of Williams’ pupils are making.

“It certainly can’t hurt (recruiting),” Haase said. “When you see so many guys learn and develop and be successful at Kansas, it speaks volumes for coach Williams and his coaching.”

“I’m sure it helps a lot,” McGrath added. “You look at Greg Ostertag making $6 million a year; Paul $12 million, Raef $9 million, Scot $4 million I would think it’s definitely a selling point. The more success you have breeds more success.”

Dickie V honorees: Don’t be surprised if KU has two AP Preseason All-Americans in Kirk Hinrich and Nick Collison. ESPN’s Dick Vitale, who has as much clout as anybody in college hoops, has named them first-team preseason All-Americans with Xavier’s David West, Georgetown’s Mike Sweetney and Arizona’s Jason Gardner.