Dallas Mavericks rumors: Jalen Brunson to be Knicks top free agent target

The Dallas Mavericks made a massive decision to keep Jalen Brunson beyond the trade deadline. The 25-year-old is having a breakout fourth NBA season as he has become a trusted starter and key piece for the Mavs, but he is an unrestricted free agent after the season. Will Dallas be able to re-sign him or do they lose him with no compensation in return?

Rumors suggest Brunson is searching for a four-year deal worth $80 million on the open market. The max extension Dallas could offer during this season was four years at $55.6 million, which was not enough to get the deal done. The Mavericks believe they can re-sign him this summer, and it is important that they do because the organization will not have the cap space to replace him.

The New York Knicks have long been rumored to be interested in Brunson, including looking to make a deal before this year’s trade deadline. The Knicks need an upgrade at point guard, and Brunson is certainly on their radar. Here is a look at the latest rumor.

Dallas Mavericks rumors: Knicks to make Jalen Brunson their top free-agent target

The New York Post’s Marc Berman examined how the Knicks can solve their point guard issues in the offseason where he noted that Brunson will be the team’s top target. New York is not projected to have cap space, but they could deal away expiring contracts or acquire JB via a sign-and-trade.

Berman also notes that Brunson is interested in joining the Knicks. New York president Leon Rose was the agent for Rick Brunson, Jalen’s father, and there are plenty of connections between the Knicks and JB. Could they convince him to leave Dallas this summer? It will likely come down to their contract offer.

Berman theorizes that the Mavericks and Knicks could engage in a sign-and-trade deal involving both Brunson and New York center Mitchell Robinson. Dallas is rumored to be interested in Robinson as they look to solve their rebounding and rim protection woes. It will be interesting to see if that deal emerges this summer.

The Dallas Mavericks are going to be active and aggressive as they attempt to improve their roster this offseason to build a true title contender around superstar Luka Doncic. Will they be able to bring Jalen Brunson back? Will the New York Knicks be the team that signs him? It is one of many stories to watch this summer.