NBA Rumors: Insider Would Be "Shocked" If Mavs Let Brunson Go

May 10, 2022


As Jalen Brunson and the Dallas Mavericks continue their impressive run through the 2022 postseason, the size of the contract the impending free agent will get continues to go up, as does the chance of his remaining in Dallas, at least according to one source. 

Marc Berman of the New York Post has reported that "one league source who has spoken to (Mavs owner Mark) Cuban during the playoffs told The Post he’d be shocked if Cuban didn’t keep Brunson."

The Mavericks own Brunson's Bird rights, which means they can give the emerging star a 5-year deal, while other suitors on the free agent market can only offer four years. And according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, "Cuban has stated he plans to re-sign Brunson and is well aware the price tag has become significantly more expensive, which would push Dallas well into the luxury tax."

League sources also say that Cuban has no intention of cooperating in potential sign-and-trade scenarios, according to MacMahon. 

Rick Brunson, Jalen's father, says the Mavericks had their chance to sign him to an extension that would have been much more cost-efficient, but they balked. "He didn't turn s**t down. Y'all declined first. When y'all came back to him, we said, 'Hey, we just want to finish out the season and go from there.'"

Brunson drove his price up by carrying the Mavs to a first-round series victory, playing half of the 6-game set without Luka Doncic, by averaging 27.8 points. In Game 4 of their current 2nd round series with the Phoenix Suns, Brunson was a main reason that Chris Paul fouled out, and the Mavs tied the series at two. CP3 has a lot of respect for Brunson. 

Now Cuban will have to pay up for Brunson this offseason. And he says he will. And this 'Shark' often puts his money where his mouth is. 

Photo Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports




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