Mavericks: 3 potential distractions during training camp

Potential distraction during Dallas Mavericks training camp: 1. Brunson extension

Jalen Brunson is also eligible for a contract extension, but he is different than a normal fourth-year player. Brunson was a second-round pick, and the Mavs structured his rookie contract in a way that did not allow them to make him a restricted free agent in the summer of 2022. If Dallas does not get an extension done, Brunson will be unrestricted and can sign with any team next summer.

JB broke out in his third NBA season and is looking to build on that. He was in the running for Sixth Man of the Year after averaging 12.6 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game, and the 25-year-old will have a robust market if he hits free agency.

Brunson had this to say when asked about extension talks on media day.

"I don’t know. All I’ve been focused on is what I can control right now, which is me preparing myself for the season. I’ll have my agents and the front office deal with that. Out of my control right now, don’t even want to think about it, just want to focus on me and the team."

Again, this will not be a massive distraction for the Dallas Mavericks, but there will be more questions as the days go by without a deal in hand. The team can avoid all that and keep the focus strictly on the court by agreeing to terms with Brunson, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

The Mavs are ready for the 2021-2022 season, and fans are not going to want to miss a moment of the action, so be sure to check back to The Smoking Cuban often for all the latest news, opinions, and analysis on the team.