Dallas Mavericks rumors: Knicks have legitimate interest in Jalen Brunson

The Dallas Mavericks reached the conference finals behind Luka Doncic, but they would not be there without Jalen Brunson. The 25-year-old point guard led Dallas to two wins in their first three games against the Utah Jazz as Doncic recovered from a calf injury. In 17 postseason games, JB is averaging 22.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists as the Mavericks' second-leading scoring.

Brunson’s playoff performance made him a ton of money. The 6’1 guard is an unrestricted free agent this summer after the Mavericks failed to agree on an extension with JB. The second-round pick will get a massive raise, but Dallas has no plans on letting him get away.

Brunson will have plenty of suitors in free agency. The New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and Detroit Pistons have been linked to the Mavericks guard already, but not all rumors have legs. The Athletic’s Fred Katz named JB as the Knicks' legitimate target (subscription required) this summer over the likes of Donovan Mitchell, Damian Lillard, and Rudy Gobert.

Dallas Mavericks rumors: Knicks have legitimate interest in Jalen Brunson

Katz outlined all the points in his mailbag. Jalen Brunson and his family have a longstanding relationship with Knicks president Leon Rose, New York needs a point guard, and the Mavs will be deep into the luxury tax if they bring Brunson back. Knicks brass attended the Mavericks' first playoff game against the Utah Jazz, and it is rumored they were there scouting Brunson.

JB continues to improve, and the 6’1 guard proved he is a legitimate starting point guard that is capable of scoring 20 points every night in the playoffs. He is impossible to guard in the paint and just keeps getting better.

Jalen Brunson is one of the top free agents this summer, and expect his list of suitors to grow as July 1 draws closer. Will the Dallas Mavericks re-sign him? The decision will be in JB’s hands but expect Dallas to make a strong offer and do everything they can to bring the 6’1 guard back. It will be one of the biggest storylines to watch this offseason, so stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest.