Will Jalen Brunson choose Pistons over Dallas Mavericks this offseason?

The Dallas Mavericks decided to keep Jalen Brunson beyond the trade deadline, despite knowing he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. He is in the middle of a fourth-year breakout, and the front office received plenty of calls on the 6’1 guard. The Kristaps Porzingis trade proves the Mavs were not afraid to shake things up, but Brunson stayed.

Retaining him this offseason is no sure thing. He is rumored to be seeking a four-year deal worth $80 million that will send the Mavericks deep into the luxury tax. Is owner Mark Cuban willing to pay to keep this roster together? How the team performs in the playoffs could help determine that answer.

The Detroit Pistons are a rumored suitor for Jalen Brunson this summer with The Athletic’s James Edwards recently going as far as to say they are trying to build (subscription required) around Cade Cunningham like the Mavericks have with Luka Doncic. He notes in that piece that the Pistons have significant interest in signing Brunson this summer, but will the 25-year-old choose Detroit over Dallas?

Will Jalen Brunson choose the Pistons over the Dallas Mavericks this offseason?

Detroit will not be Brunson’s only suitor this summer. Cap space around the NBA is limited, but teams will pursue him via sign-and-trade with the New York Knicks expected to be in the race. The Pistons led the teams with cap space that could sign JB outright without working out a deal with the Mavs front office.

Will Jalen Brunson choose Detroit over the Dallas Mavericks in free agency? Here is the case for each team before reaching a verdict.