Knicks Closing In On Signing Jalen Brunson

The New York Knicks are reportedly closing in on signing Jalen Brunson to sign a four-year, $110 million deal once free agency opens at 6PM ET, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Shams adds that the Dallas Mavericks never had an opportunity to make an offer to the lefty point guard.

Free agent Jalen Brunson intends to sign a four-year, near $110M deal with the New York Knicks in free agency, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The Mavericks never received chance to make offer, sources said.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2022

The Knicks had made several moves over the previous weeks to open up cap room for free agency. They traded Kemba Walker to the Detroit Pistons on draft night. Then, they dealt Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks to the Pistons a couple of days ago to further open up their checkbooks. 

Brunson has been one of the Knicks' top targets for quite a while now. In fact, New York hired Brunson's dad, Rick, as one of its assistant coaches last month.

Brunson had a breakout season for the Mavericks in 2021-22. In 79 games, the 25-year-old averaged a career-best 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. He started in 61 of those 79 games, where his averages went up to 17.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.

Brunson further improved his play during Dallas' run to the 2022 Western Conference Finals. Throughout the playoffs, the 2-time NCAA champion averaged 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.

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