The tables are turning with Jalen Brunson ready to depart for the Knicks. As chaotic as the news sounds, the Maverick owner Mark Cuban seems to be the most hit by the event.
Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has expressed his frustration over Jalen Brunson’s departure from the team to join the New York Knicks during the opening of the 2022 NBA free agency.
Cuban accused Jalen’s father Rick Brunson, who was hired as a Knicks assistant that same offseason. He thinks of him being the reason why Brunson left the Mavericks.
Cuban shared texts from Mavericks GM Nico Harrison and Brunson’s agent Aaron Mintz with reporters to push back against the Brunsons’ claim that the player was willing to sign a $56 million extension last season.
According to Harrison, they wouldn’t make a decision on JB based on what Aaron said his dad Rick Brunson wants in July. The billionaire also revealed that the Mavericks weren’t allowed to negotiate with Brunson before the free agency period opened on June 30 at 6 p.m.
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Jalen Brunson’s Departure- A Story of Missed Opportunities
“We didn’t know what the bid was,” Mark Cuban said. “They never gave us a number. Knowing the numbers now, I would’ve paid it in a heartbeat, but he wouldn’t have come anyway. There’s just no possible way that it was about money.”
Cuban added that he would have preferred to keep Irving in the team, but the Mavericks attempted to fill their Brunson void by acquiring Kyrie Irving from the Brooklyn Nets at the trade deadline.
However, the team has struggled since Irving’s arrival, and they have fallen to 11th place in the Western Conference standings. Jalen Brunson, on the other hand, has thrived with the Knicks, helping them clinch a playoff spot and currently sitting at No. 5 in the Eastern Conference standings. The Knicks later docked a second-round pick in 2025 after the NBA’s tampering investigation into the Brunson signing.
Despite the ongoing frustrations, both parties planned Brunson’s departure from the Mavericks front office. Elway has also said he will still be a resource for the team if needed. Brunson’s legacy with the Mavericks will always be remembered as he played an essential role in the team’s success during his time with the Dallas Mavericks.
Also read:- NBA News: Jalen Brunson impresses as the Dallas Mavericks continue their winning streak
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