Jalen Brunson joining the New York Knicks two years ago was a moment of mixed emotions for basketball fans. On one hand, the Dallas Mavericks had failed to agree on a new deal with him, leaving fans disappointed. While on the other hand, Knicks fans were glad over his addition. Lately, billionaire Mark Cuban has talked about it and the statements he made regarding Brunson’s parents back then.
In 2022, Jalen Brunson was in free agency and the Mavericks were trying to re-sign him. However, negotiations between both parties collapsed after the Knicks offered the shooting guard, a 4-year $156.5 million contract. The Mavs had delayed until the deadline, before presenting him with the extension he asked for. By that time though, all hope was practically lost. However, Cuban then blamed the player’s father as the reason why they didn’t reach an agreement with Brunson.
But that didn’t sit well with the NBA star, and he has made his displeasure known to Mark Cuban. The Mavericks minority owner appeared in a recent episode of “The Roommates Show”, where he expressed happiness for Brunson’s career.
Only thing I didn’t like…when Mark said ‘When the parents got involved…things got messy’…that was a little jab… I’m just saying…I felt a certain way.
Jalen Brunson questioned Mark Cuban
Cuban was detailed in his response.
Wasn’t really. I didn’t want to go there here…No reason for us to talk about any of that, but it wasn’t just a jab JB, for real… I apologize…That wasn’t the intention. But it was hard to deal with…unique negotiation… I’m happy for you… definitely no hard feelings at all.
Mark Cuban clarified
Mark Cuban: “Alls well that ends well. I’m happy for you, King of NY, & I’m happy for us”
Jalen Brunson: “Only thing I didn’t like…when Mark said ‘When the parents got involved…things got messy’…that was a little jab––”
Cuban: “Wasn’t really. I didn’t want to go there… pic.twitter.com/B3vIqklQ88
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) August 30, 2024
Cuban’s latest apology seems to suggest that he may made those statements without hindsight. Furthermore, he appealed to Brunson to bury the hatchet, as he’s glad they are still good friends. It is indeed a sentiment that the Knicks captain agrees with, as he acknowledged the same.
Jalen Brunson revealed why he left the Dallas Mavericks
Since joining in the summer of 2022, Jalen Brunson has grown into one of the top guards in the league. The 27-year-old is seen as a steal for the New York Knicks, given his massive improvement over the years. However, he has since revealed his reasons for leaving the Mavericks.
Speaking on All The Smoke Productions with ex-NBA stars Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, he told his side of the story.
I think my last season in Dallas, we tried to extend our contract… So there’s a period where Luka went out… I was playing really well. And so we went back. We’re like, ‘Hey, if the deal’s there, we’re thinking about it. I’ll do it. Like, right now.’ Still, it was no. The trade deadline comes… And then, the deal came on the table after the trade deadline. I was like, No. I think I’ve outgrown that now.
Jalen Brunson said
According to him, the franchise did not act right by him. As a result, he felt disrespected by the way his contract extension was handled at the time. The NBA All-Star averaged 27.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 52 games last season.
