Dallas Mavericks rumors: Pistons and Pacers out on Jalen Brunson

The Dallas Mavericks could lose Jalen Brunson when free agency opens on June 30. The 25-year-old guard is an unrestricted free agent, and the New York Knicks are making an aggressive push to him. He has several ties to the Knicks, and most are pegging it as 50-50 as we enter the final days before players are allowed to agree to deals.

The Mavericks want to bring Brunson back, and it does not appear money will be an object. President of basketball operations and general manager Nico Harrison made it clear that re-signing him is the team’s top priority, and owner Mark Cuban is reportedly willing to pay a hefty luxury tax to keep him. The question is will JB choose Dallas?

Early on it appeared multiple teams would be vying to sign Brunson, but Marc Stein reported (subscription required) that the Pistons and Pacers are out of the running on June 26. That leaves just the Mavs, Knicks, and any late entrant into the sweepstakes in the final hours.

Dallas Mavericks rumors: Pistons and Pacers out on Jalen Brunson

The Pistons drafted Jaden Ivey and already have Cade Cunningham in their backcourt. They are excited about their young duo, and it curbed their desire to pay $100-plus million over four years to sign Brunson in free agency.

The Pacers added a wing in the draft to play next to Tyrese Haliburton, and it appears the price or Brunson’s desire eliminated Indiana from the running.

It was always going to come down to the Mavericks and Knicks if New York created enough cap space to make a strong offer. They started doing it on draft night, but the Knicks will need more if they plan on extending Brunson a four-year deal worth $100 million. Dallas can outbid them and offer a fifth year, but JB’s desire could be to join his father in New York and be the Knicks' lead ball-handler.

Where will Jalen Brunson sign this summer? Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest, and be ready to find out when free agency opens at 5:00 p.m. CT on June 30.