Jalen Brunson Reveals How Mavericks Made Idiotic Decision Rejecting Extension Offer
All-Star guard Jalen Brunson reveals the awful decision of the Mavericks' front office to not give him a contract extension.
By Cem Yolbulan
As the Dallas Mavericks try to build a championship-caliber roster around Luka Doncic, one thing will continue to haunt them forever: letting Jalen Brunson walk. Mavs fans will never forget how the front office completely fumbled the Brunson situation, letting the now All-Star guard sign with the New York Knicks. The latest details that emerged from the negotiations reveal a historic level of incompetence for the Mavericks.
Brunson, who was recently a guest on All the Smoke Podcast, described the contract negotiations between him and Dallas two seasons ago. He revealed that he had every intention to stay with the Mavericks on an extremely team-friendly deal of four-years, $55 million, but Dallas turned it down, twice.
Jalen Brunson Wanted to Stay But Mavericks Rejected an Extension
Jalen Brunson goes on record to confirm he twice approached the Mavericks willing to sign a four-year, $55 million contract extension - but was rejected both times by Dallas.
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) February 21, 2024
(via @allthesmokeprod)pic.twitter.com/xjtbVn59mR
After Mark Cuban and the front office refused to give Brunson an extension, the former Villanova star burst onto the scene in the 2022 NBA Playoffs. Averaging 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in the postseason, Brunson helped carry the Mavs to the Conference Finals.
That summer, the Knicks signed him to a four-year, $104 million contract, an offer the Mavericks could have easily beaten if they wanted to.
If they didn't have an interest in keeping Brunson, the Knicks should have traded him mid-season to at least get some value in return. Instead, they let an All-NBA caliber guard walk for free.
This season, Brunson is averaging 27.6 points and 6.5 assists per game, establishing himself as one of the best guards in the league.
The Mavericks, on the other hand, are still trying to find a way to get back to the Conference Finals. They traded for Kyrie Irving but had to give up a lot of their depth and assets to do so. Irving struggled with staying on the court due to injuries.
Imagine if the Mavericks had Brunson on a four-year, $55 million contract right now. It would not only be the best-value contract in the league by a significant margin, but it would also help Dallas build a championship roster around it.
The Brunson saga will continue to be one of the biggest "what ifs" in Dallas Mavericks history. Depending on what happens with Luka Doncic and how Dallas performs in the postseason in the next couple of years, it could also have even worse consequences.
The Dallas Mavericks have the sixth-best odds (+1400) in the Western Conference to make the NBA Finals. With Doncic and Irving healthy, the Mavs should have as good of a shot as any team to make it there. If you agree, head over to FanDuel Sportsbook and claim your $150 in bonus bets after you make a winning wager of $5.
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