In July of 2022, Jalen Brunson left the Dallas Mavericks after playing for the team for four years. The Mavericks made it to the Western Conference finals that year. Brunson was a crucial part of the team at the time. He averaged 18 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists during the five games.
The Knicks guard appeared as a guest on All the Smoke Podcast. In the sneak peek of the episode, Brunson talked about his free agency period. At the time, the Dallas Mavericks could offer Brunson a $55 Million four-year deal. Recently, Brunson revealed that his contract request did not go as planned, as the Mavericks declined to negotiate. Since then, Brunson has become a pivotal piece for the New York Knicks.
This is what Brunson said:
There was a chance. I really did want to stay in Dallas. I think before my fourth season in Dallas, we tried to extend our contract, and the most we could get was 4 years, $55 million….. it was like, Mark [Cuban] saying, ‘we can pay him the most money. He says that in the interview, literally right after the game. And so I’m thinking, like, alright I’m okay. After that it was crickets. From my point of view, can’t speak for anyone else, it was crickets
Jalen Brunson via All the Smoke
After the Mavs lost the Western Conference finals, team owner Mark Cuban admitted to offering Brunson a big-money contract in an interview. Still, Brunson never heard anything from the owner. The offer was made after the trade deadline, but Brunson decided and declined.
In free agency, the New York Knicks came into the conversation of signing Brunson. He considered the Knicks as New York is closer to his home and his family. He ended up signing a $104 Million 4-year contract with the Knicks, almost double what the Mavericks offered. The player also admitted this to be the best decision he made.
Jalen Brunson got selected as an All-Star for the first time
After joining the Knicks, Brunson’s game has changed drastically. Especially in the 2023-24 regular season, the Knicks’ star averages 27.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. He has nine 40+ points games with the Knicks, all between last and this year.
Jalen Brunson makes his All-Star debut (via Getty Images)Based on his performance, Brunson was selected as an All-Star for the first time in his career. In his debut, he scored 12 points, most of which came in the fourth quarter, and helped Team East win against Team West. Brunson also participated in the 3-point contest.
The Knicks are currently the fourth team in the Eastern Conference rankings with a record of (33-22). Based on his performance, NBA fans consider him an MVP-caliber player this season. Only time will tell how much Brunson can help the Knicks succeed.
