Dallas Mavericks rumors: Jalen Brunson untouchable in trade talks

The Dallas Mavericks fielded plenty of phone calls ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline. They made a deal just moments before the final buzzer to acquire J.J. Redick and Nicolo Melli from the New Orleans Pelicans. The Mavs lacked the draft capital to trade for a third star, but they explored multiple ways to upgrading their roster. They were ecstatic to acquire a sharpshooter like Redick, and fans have seen that Melli can make an impact too.

Dallas could have dangled Jalen Brunson in a larger move. The 6’1 point guard is having a breakout third NBA season. He averages 12.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 25.4 minutes per game. Brunson is shooting an incredible 53.3 percent from the field and 39.9 percent on his 3-point tries.

Fans should expect the 24-year-old to be a Maverick going forward. Brian Windhorst shared the team’s thoughts on Brunson on his podcast on April 8. Let us take a closer look.

Dallas Mavericks rumors: Jalen Brunson untouchable in trade talks

Here is Windhorst’s quote from the Brian Windhorst and the Hoop Collective podcast that ran on Thursday.

"“I heard around the trade deadline that the Mavericks got some calls about Jalen Brunson. It was basically like, Luka is obviously untouchable, and Jalen is basically untouchable. If you are going to offer LeBron, we’ll listen, but he’s being viewed as a foundational core piece going forward.”"

That should come as no surprise. Brunson has worked his way into a larger role every day since joining the Mavericks. He overtook J.J. Barea for the backup point guard spot last season. The 24-year-old has continued to earn more minutes with strong play. Brunson is in the running for Sixth Man of the Year and is frequently part of the Mavs closing lineup.

The only way Dallas is parting with Brunson is to acquire a bona fide third star. Short of that offer, the Mavericks are happy to roll with JB as their backup point guard and key rotational piece. Their offense is more dangerous with another playmaker flanking Luka Doncic, and Brunson continues to deliver in his role.

It will be an important offseason for the Dallas Mavericks, so keep it locked to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest. Expect plenty of fireworks to come down the stretch of the 2020-2021 season too. Do not miss it.