NBA Rumors: Knicks "Very Interested" In Mavs' Jalen Brunson

It's no secret that the New York Knicks are looking to make some moves to improve their roster by the trade deadline. They currently sit on the outside looking in at even the Play-In tournament, in 11th place with a 22-24 record, having lost 3 straight. 

It's also no secret they'd love to get their hands on a young two-way guard that they can build with. 

According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Dallas Mavericks' impending free agent Jalen Brunson is that man. "They want him bad,’’ Berman quotes an NBA source as saying. 

Fellow Knicks insider Ian Begley also hears that Brunson is a natural fit. There are so many connections between Brunson and New York, that it just all makes sense. Begley explains: 

We've talked about the ties between Jalen Brunson and the Knicks: (Team president) Leon Rose is his former agent; Leon Rose represented Rick Brunson, his dad, when Rick was a player; Rick was a Knick; and he coached with Tom Thibodeau. So, a million connections there, and he (Jalen)'s a very good two-way guard, something the Knicks have lacked, and have been looking for for a very long time.

Brunson is having a breakout season with the Mavericks, but there's some question as to whether they'd be able to afford to re-sign him after the season. 

There are rumors that he'll be looking for a huge raise this offseason, but if the Knicks are willing, all those NYC connections could mean that re-signing him is unlikely to be an issue.  

The 25-year-old is averaging career-highs in points (15.9), assists (5.5) and rebounds (3.8), and brings a tenacity on defense that would be welcomed by the Knicks. 

Photo Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports