Knicks' Jalen Brunson Speaks Out on Mavs Exit: 'That's On Them!’
DALLAS — After a breakout season with the Dallas Mavericks, Jalen Brunson maximized his value before earning a four-year, $104 million contract from the New York Knicks. He is now averaging 23.8 points and 6.2 assists in his first season, leading his new team to a likely playoff appearance.
"I can't say anything bad about Dallas," Brunson told B/R, "but obviously I wish things would've happened differently."
Brunson was eligible to sign a four-year, $55.5 million before the 2021-22 season had begun. The Mavs had numerous chances to get a long-term deal done with Brunson before he had his major breakout to end last season. Brunson recalls "two times" there were offers prior to the 2021-22 season beginning, then in January, his representatives attempted to initiate dialogue again, per B/R.
"There were two times that I thought we had offers on the table before the season, and then around, I think December or January, they looked the other way," Brunson said. "They had every right in the world to do so.
“I don't blame them for making any business decisions. That's on them."
The Knicks' signing of Brunson was the most impactful free agency move not only when comparing to the rest of the moves that occurred last offseason, but in years. He was a borderline All-Star talent before the break, and has been impactful enough to potentially earn All-NBA consideration.
Brunson made clear that he holds a lot of respect for the Mavs. He appreciated them believing in him to start his NBA career by using a draft pick to select him. The mentorship he received from J.J. Barea is something he still values strongly, as well as the two coaching staffs under Rick Carlisle and Jason Kidd.
"At the same time, I respect them," Brunson told B/R. "They brought me into this league and jump-started my career. Business is business. My four years in Dallas were special. When I first got drafted there, I had that mindset of seeing myself being there for a very long time. My vet at the time, J.J. Barea, he taught me so much and he was there for such a long time. I wanted that role of being with the Mavericks for the long haul of my career. I truly loved that place. As I continued to get older, I got better, and I got more opportunities to showcase my game.
"Both coaching staffs I had there were amazing. Jason Kidd helped unlock something in me that I didn't think would happen that fast. I was growing as a player, but when the playoffs hit, he pushed me to a new level. It was great there. The whole organization and the city of Dallas was special to me and my family. Those four years were amazing."
The Mavs have since acquired NBA All-Star starter Kyrie Irving via trade, but will need to retain his services as he nears free agency. Before that, Dallas must focus on even qualifying for the playoffs. While they have the third easiest remaining schedule in terms of opponent winning percentage, they hold a 36-37 record and rank eighth in the Western Conference standings.
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