Mavericks: Jalen Brunson 7th on BR’s free agent big board

The Dallas Mavericks already have over $136 million committed in salaries for next season as Luka Doncic’s historic extension kicks in, and they have two key pieces hitting the free-agent market in Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith.

The organization has to re-sign both players or they will not be able to replace them. Dallas is already over the cap, so they will be limited to using their exceptions and signing free agents to minimum deals. The Mavs want to contend. Losing a starter and sixth man does not fit that timeline, but re-signing them will push Dallas into the luxury tax.

Brunson is taking another step forward in his fourth NBA season, and he is quickly becoming one of the marquee free agents in 2022. Bleacher Report released a big board on Nov. 18, and here is a look at where JB landed.

Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson ranks 7th in Bleacher Report’s free-agent big board

The 2022 free-agent class is not flush with marquee names. All-Stars James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Bradley Beal, and Russell Westbrook have player options that could further impact the field. All those men were ranked by Bleacher Report, and Brunson sits as the seventh-best free agent on their board ahead of Westbrook.

The Mavericks made a massive mistake in JB’s rookie contract. He would be a restricted free agent if Dallas structured his deal differently. Now, the Mavs risk losing him for nothing in the summer of 2022. Brunson is proving he is a capable starter or sixth man, and the 25-year-old is in line for a handsome payday when he reaches the open market.

Will the Dallas Mavericks bring back Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith in the summer of 2022? Fans can be certain they will try, but both players are free to sign elsewhere. It will be something to watch in the offseason. If JB continues his recent play, he will earn himself a lot more money, so stay tuned.