Dallas Mavericks: Jalen Brunson signs rookie deal

The Dallas Mavericks second-round pick Jalen Brunson has inked his rookie deal in Dallas after winning two national championships at Villanova.

Jalen Brunson signed a four-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks with the first three seasons of it guaranteed, much like most late first round picks. Brunson was selected 33rd overall in this year’s draft by the Mavericks after they shook up draft night by trading for Slovenian star Luka Doncic.

Brunson will be in a thick rotation of guards once the season gets underway. With Dennis Smith Jr. and Doncic ahead of him in the rotation, and Yogi Ferrell and J.J. Barea sucking up minutes on the bench, Brunson will have to prove that he can be a significant part of the rotation before Rick Carlisle can trust him with the ball.

Cap Space

The Mavs signed Brunson to a deal longer than two years, which means that the team is either signing Brunson using some of their remaining cap space or with part of their room exception. After signing Deandre Jordan to a deal north of $20 million, cap space for the Mavs was scarce and inking Brunson to an agreement with three guaranteed years eats into that further.

More info on Brunson

The 6’3 point guard is a thick, strong point guard with excellent two-way potential. As a two-time national champion in college, Brunson can coordinate an offense that can beat aggressive defenses. The Mavs were high enough on Brunson to justify the pick considering the number of point guards already on the roster.

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Brunson was the Consensus National College Player of the Year in 2018 as well as a first-team All-American. The Mavs are getting themselves an experienced, polished point guard who can create consistent offense with his passing ability. He can defend bigger point guards that can shoot over smaller defenders. Brunson averaged 14.4 PPG for his three year career at Villanova, but will likely be asked to take on a smaller role in his rookie season.