Jalen Brunson, Dallas Mavs & NBA Free Agency: Dad Speaks Out

An rising storyline for the way forward for the Dallas Mavericks after this season concludes is the upcoming unrestricted free company of Jalen Brunson.

Brunson has led the Mavericks to a 2-1 collection lead over the Utah Jazz regardless of Luka Doncic being sidelined for all three video games. With averages of 32.0 factors, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, he is been one of many NBA’s elite playoff performers. 

“He’s going to make some huge cash. I don’t know if he wants an agent, however I’m going to place my identify within the hat,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd stated about Brunson’s play after Recreation 2. “But it surely’s not simply what he did (Monday), and it’s not what he’s going to do going ahead. He’s already accomplished the work this season.”

Given Brunson’s ongoing masterful playoff performances in opposition to the Jazz, there’s been a lot hypothesis about what sort of contract he can earn in free company. Moreover, there’s been speak about which staff would be the one to get a deal accomplished with him. 

Jalen’s father, Rick Brunson, just lately joined Bally Sports activities Southwest, and talked about Jalen’s future with the Mavericks forward of free company. 

“Jalen is a Maverick on the finish of this season if all of us sit down as a household and attempt to make the correct choice for Jalen,” Rick stated. “On the finish of the day, we’ll all make our opinion, however Jalen will make the ultimate choice. 

“I do know he loves it right here. I do know he enjoys it right here. If he decides to remain right here, we’ll be completely happy. I do not see him seeking to go wherever, however you by no means know. It is a enterprise.” 

Whereas Brunson’s postseason heroics have been a lot greater manufacturing than he is usually offered, he nonetheless was enjoying at a excessive stage in video games with out Doncic. In 17 common video games with out Doncic, he averaged 20.4 factors, 3.9 rebounds, and seven.5 assists. 

Not solely can Brunson provoke offense with glorious effectivity, however he additionally thrives enjoying alongside a excessive utilization menace like Doncic. He averaged 16.4 factors, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 44 video games beginning subsequent to Doncic within the common season. 

There’s been no scarcity of groups linked as potential suitors for Brunson. The New York Knicks have been a typical possibility, given his father’s ties to the entrance workplace and the staff’s continued incapacity to discover a long-term reply for the purpose guard place. 

Starting from the Indiana Pacers as a result of Rick Carlisle connection, to the Detroit Pistons in search of a secondary ball-handler subsequent to Cade Cunningham, groups with cap house will need to make a push to signal Brunson. 

Earlier than the main focus shifts to what Brunson can earn within the offseason or the place he could signal, the Mavericks have lots of work to do within the playoffs. His future shall be impacted considerably by his skill to remain constant.