Dallas Mavericks rumors: Pacers interested in Jalen Brunson

The Dallas Mavericks won 50 games this season for the 15th time in franchise history, and they have homecourt in at least one playoff series for the first time since 2011. Head coach Jason Kidd helped the Mavs improve their defense, and a fourth-year breakout from Jalen Brunson has them thinking about a deep playoff run as the regular season ends.

Brunson has become an unquestioned starter and the team’s second-leading scorer. He averaged 16.2 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 32.0 minutes per game while shooting 50.2 percent from the field, 37.1 percent on his threes, and 84.4 percent from the free-throw line with one game left in the regular season. JB has been incredible, but the Mavericks face an important decision this summer.

Brunson is headed towards unrestricted free agency as the two sides could not agree on an extension. The 2018 second-round pick will be looking for a massive payday, but will the Mavs be the team that signs him to it? He will have plenty of suitors, and Marc Stein keyed fans in on another one on April 9.

Rumors: Pacers interested in Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson

Stein focused his weekly weekend column (subscription required) on the Indiana Pacers and their active offseason ahead after a disappointing year. It features plenty on former Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle before discussing the Pacers interest in Jalen Brunson. Carlisle was a key voice in Dallas drafting Brunson, and the two know each other well after three years of working together.

Rumors suggest the Pacers are likely to join the Detroit Pistons and the New York Knicks in hot pursuit of Brunson this offseason. Detroit and Indiana will both have cap space and a need in the backcourt, but will they offer enough to lure JB away from Dallas? It is a story to watch this summer.

The Dallas Mavericks are gearing up for the playoffs and looking to make a deep run. Fans should be sure to check back to The Smoking Cuban for news and analysis from the postseason, plus all the latest offseason rumors.