New York Knicks Interested In Dallas Mavericks’ Jalen Brunson, But Signing Him Won’t Be Easy

The New York Knicks are in the market for a point guard and have long coveted the Dallas Mavericks’ Jalen Brunson, according to NBA insiders. The team already tried to package a deal to unload Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel at the trade deadline to clear cap space to chase Brunson this summer.

They still may be able to make the necessary moves to try and entice him to sign in the Big Apple when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. However, there’s a growing consensus among league personnel that Brunson will opt to stay in Dallas, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.

Brunson is at the end of his four-year, $6.1 million rookie contract. His next contract is expected to be $20 million or more annually. While the Knicks can make roster adjustments to meet those requirements throughout a four-year deal, unloading one or more bloated contracts, the thinking at this point of the year is that the Knicks would have to trade the No. 11 pick in this year’s draft or Emanuel Quickly to convince a team to take on long-term salary obligations, Fischer says.

Even if New York can do that, prying away Brunson will be difficult. The Mavericks can offer him more money and a longer, five-year contract. Dallas leadership has made it clear that re-signing him is a top priority this summer. They will not sit idly by on the sidelines and let him walk. They’re going to actively pursue him.

What New York can offer may be enticing, though. With the Knicks, Brunson will be the backcourt option, quarterbacking the offense. He won’t be a sidekick like he is in Dallas, paired next to superstar Luka Doncic. Yet, the Mavericks’ run to the Western Conference Finals this year, with Brunson playing a key role, might be too much for the Knicks to overcome despite the promise of a starring role.

New York missed the playoffs this season and has made only one postseason appearance since 2014. Dallas is poised to win now with its present roster construction. That is something that will likely play into Brunson’s decision about his future.

The Knicks need a point guard, but the well may be running dry where Brunson is concerned. If Brunson opts to quickly re-sign in Dallas at the start of free agency, New York will have to pivot and look at a backup plan to address their roster holes.