Does Jalen Brunson re-sign with Dallas Mavericks if money is equal in free agency?

The Dallas Mavericks plan on signing Jalen Brunson to a long-term deal this summer, despite the 6’1 guard becoming an unrestricted free agent. Multiple reports have come out noting they are favored to re-sign him. The Mavs can offer a fifth year and the most money, but expect some strong offers from opposing teams.

The Knicks, a known Brunson suitor, hired his father Rick as an assistant coach this week. Marc Stein noted (subscription required) that “there is no grave concern bubbling (yet) in Dallas” on the hiring. New York has plenty of interest in signing Jalen, but they would need to create the cap space to do so.

What if the money was equal? Would the Mavericks still be the favorites to re-sign Jalen Brunson? Dallas is not offering a lead ball-handling role, but they may be the only winning situation among his suitors. Where would JB choose to play?

Does Jalen Brunson re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks if the money is equal?

Brunson has three known suitors in the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and Detroit Pistons competing with Dallas to sign him this summer. The Pacers and Pistons have the cap space to sign him outright, and the Mavericks have his Bird Rights. Right now, the Knicks would be limited to sign-and-trade scenarios.

If all four teams could offer an equal contract, would Jalen Brunson return to the Dallas Mavericks? Here is a case for him signing with each team excluding the money before taking a closer look at what the 6’1 guard would do in free agency if each team offered an identical deal.