Rumors: Dallas Mavericks plan to re-sign Jalen Brunson in free agency

The Dallas Mavericks are facing the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs, and they need Jalen Brunson to standout if Dallas is going to any chance of pulling the upset. Brunson became the team’s second-leading scorer this season, and he averaged 27.8 points per game on 48.4 percent shooting from the field in the first-round win over the Jazz. The 6’1 guard struggled in Game 1 against the Suns, and they have to get him going on Wednesday night.

Brunson is the story of the offseason for the Mavericks too. He will be an unrestricted free agent after the team failed to get an extension done during this season. JB outplayed the max four-year deal worth $55.6 million Dallas was able to offer, but he was willing to sign the contract back in January only for the team to decline.

Rumors of the Mavericks' confidence in re-signing Jalen Brunson have begun to come out, and Marc Stein was the latest to report on the team’s intentions via his Substack. Stein noted the team plans on showing JB they value him this offseason, and the Mavs believe they will re-sign him.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks plan to re-sign Jalen Brunson in free agency

Brunson is going to have plenty of suitors this summer. Stein noted the Pistons, Pacers, and Knicks are all expected to make a run at the 6’1 guard in free agency with the bidding to extend beyond a four-year deal worth $80 million, but Dallas believes they can secure his signature. The lack of cap space around the league helps, and the Mavericks can use Brunson's Bird Rights to exceed the cap.

The Mavericks will need to go deep into the luxury tax to re-sign Jalen Brunson as Luka Doncic’s max extension kicks in. Dallas could look to trade Tim Hardaway Jr., Spencer Dinwiddie, or Davis Bertans this summer to try to free up some space, but they will still be in the tax unless the team makes a massive roster overhaul.

The Dallas Mavericks believe they will re-sign Jalen Brunson in the offseason, but it is no sure thing. The 6’1 guard is an unrestricted free agent, and one of the top names on the market. Expect him to command a hefty contract, and it will be interesting to see where he lands this summer. Stay tuned.