NBA Rumors: Jalen Brunson Not Interested In Mavs' Extension Offer

 

Jalen Brunson is having a breakthrough campaign for the Dallas Mavericks. He's wrapping up the final year of his rookie deal at a bargain $1.8M before becoming a free agent in the offseason. Based on NBA contract rules, the Mavs can, and have offered him the maximum extension they're able to offer at this point, 4-years, $56M. Brunson is balking at that figure. 

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Brunson is looking for a deal more in the $18M per year range (which, over 4 years, would surpass the $70M mark). The Mavericks would be able to offer that once he becomes an official free agent on July 1st, as they hold his Bird rights. But is that a risk they're willing to take? 

We know that the New York Knicks are strongly interested in bringing Brunson home, with all sorts of Brunson/NYC connections playing a role. But as Stein notes, the Knicks would have to shed multiple contracts to make that a viable possibility. 

As for the Mavs, they are firmly in contention in the Western Conference right now, only one game back of 4th spot. And it's on offense where they're looking to improve the roster at the trade deadline. It's doubtful that they'd be willing to deal Brunson's 15.7 points and 5.6 assists, as he's emerged to take a huge playmaking load off Luka Doncic this season.

Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson have combined for 46 assists and 5 turnovers in the last 2 games pic.twitter.com/8S4xMcuXCV

— alex (@newlyalex) January 30, 2022

As Stein concludes, despite the contract questions, "the smartest forecast" ahead of next week's trade deadline is that Brunson, and fellow free-agent-to-be Dorian Finney-Smith, will both still be Mavericks come Feb. 11th. 

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