Should the Mavericks trade Jalen Brunson before the deadline?

The Dallas Mavericks could not believe Jalen Brunson slipped into the second round in the 2018 NBA Draft, and they were ecstatic to select him 33rd overall, but the front office made a mistake in structuring his contract. Players taken in the second round are not subject to the rookie contract scale, and the Mavs did not add in a team option for the final season of his deal, so Brunson will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

It could turn into a massive blunder if the 25-year-old leaves and Dallas receives zero compensation in return, especially after JB’s breakout fourth NBA season. Brunson has played his way into the starting five and has been the team’s second-best player for significant stretches this season.

Rumors suggest JB wants $80 million over four years in free agency, and the Mavs are facing luxury tax concerns as superstar Luka Doncic’s max extension kicks in next season. Should Dallas trade Jalen Brunson before the Feb. 10 deadline to ensure they get something in return?

Should the Dallas Mavericks trade Jalen Brunson before the deadline?

Brunson is not the only free agent for the Mavs in the summer of 2022 as Dorian Finney-Smith will also be unrestricted. Dallas will have to go deep into the luxury tax re-sign both players.

Is owner Mark Cuban willing to spend, and more importantly, are the Mavericks good enough with a core of Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Brunson, and Finney-Smith to contend for a championship? If the answer to either question is no, the front office should be exploring the trade market.

Should the Dallas Mavericks deal Jalen Brunson before the deadline? Here is the case for and against before reaching a verdict.