Changes were always coming for the New York Knicks after a disappointing 2021-22 season. There were high expectations coming into the season after a rare playoff berth in 2021, but the Knicks crashed and burned to finish 37-45 and missed the playoffs. Rumors have circulated all offseason regarding potential trades the team might make, with Donovan Mitchell the most prominent name linked, but reports now suggest a move is unlikely.
Another name that has been linked with the team is Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson. Brunson and the Mavericks couldn’t agree on an extension last season and after he balled out in the playoffs this year, he is expecting a significant amount of money this time around. Reports indicate that the Mavs will keep him, but the Knicks are interested and they made a move that might have something to do with it. As per the New York Post, the Knicks have hired Jalen’s dad Rick Brunson as an assistant coach for Tom Thibodeau.
The elder Brunson had been coaching at Camden High School and he has experience at the NBA level, having been an assistant to Thibodeau in the past with the Chicago Bulls as well as the Minnesota Timberwolves. So to clarify, the move wasn’t just made because he is Jalen’s father, but because it is someone Thibodeau is comfortable working with. The timing of this report coming out is interesting, however, as Jalen is just a few weeks away from hitting free agency.
We can’t be sure if this move will have any impact on Brunson’s decision in this offseason as he does seem happy in Dallas. He had his best season as a pro in 2021-22 and averaged 21.6 points per game in the playoffs as he helped the Mavericks reach the Western Conference Finals. He is one of the few great pieces around Luka Doncic at the moment and the Mavs need to keep him around if they are to be a threat in the Western Conference next season. As for the Knicks, their search to land a big free agent looks set to drag on for a while longer.
