Jalen Brunson will be one of the most interesting guards that will be available on the open market this summer. Brunson had breakout performances in the post-season, both with Luka Doncic on the court and when Luka was out injured. Considering he won’t get highlighted in Dallas over Doncic, many had assumed that Brunson will look to test free agency and see where he could go.
The New York Knicks are the most aggressive suitor, apparently willing to pay $25 million a year to Brunson. In addition, Brunson would also get a bigger role as the primary ball-handling guard on the Knicks. New York also employs Jalen’s father, Rick Brunson. Would it be worth it to leave a generational player in Dallas like Luka to go to the Knicks and be a mid-table team?
Brunson’s options are open, but it looks like he will be re-signing with the Mavericks this off-season, according to Jake Fischer.
Report: Jalen Brunson has told former and current teammates that his return to Dallas is essentially a done deal.#MFFL via @JakeLFischer pic.twitter.com/MSvTZMcDfK
— MFFL (@Mavs_FFL) June 22, 2022
Brunson was drafted in 2018 as the second Mavericks guard to be drafted that night. Jalen was a second-round pick despite being the best player on his college championship-winning Villanova team. The Mavs drafted him and Luka on the same night, creating a dynamic guard duo that led the team to the Western Conference Finals this season.
Despite the outside interest, Brunson is best suited to stay in Dallas. He has incredible chemistry with Luka and is capable of averaging 20 points even while sharing the floor with Doncic. He still has room to improve also, particularly with regard to his three-point shooting.
If the Mavericks are willing to match any offer Brunson receives, there is no reason for the guard to want to leave considering he has found a rhythm alongside Luka and can be effective no matter the situation. He is also coming off a Western Conference Finals in a very tight-knit group, so he must also want to finish the job with the team.
