Knicks/Mavericks Sign-and-Trade Option Off The Table

It's been a forgone conclusion for about 10 days now that free agent Jalen Brunson would be leaving the Dallas Mavericks and heading to the New York Knicks. The only thing still to be decided was whether the Knicks would have to work out a sign-and-trade with the Mavs, or be able to clear enough cap space to sign him outright. That, too, is now looking like a done deal.

Hearing from multiple sources that the Knicks will use cap space to sign Jalen Brunson outright instead of doing a sign-and-trade with the Mavericks.

— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) July 10, 2022

According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, the Knicks will be using cap space to sign Brunson to the 4-year, $104M deal, leaving the Mavericks with nothing but memories.

Mavs owner Mark Cuban respects Brunson's decision to go with family—his father Rick is an assistant coach with the Knicks, and team president Leon Rose has been tight with the Brunsons for years. 

“It really wasn’t about the amount of money,” Cuban said. “We really didn’t get a chance to make an offer. It was Jalen’s choice. And I understand it. He knew those guys his entire life. He grew up there. It makes perfect sense… We wanted him to stay, but he had his reason, and I respect that.”

As for the tampering allegations that have been making the rounds, Cuban didn't seem to harbor any resentment for the Knicks sending team brass to scout Brunson at Mavericks playoff games. “I don’t give a sh--. Why would I care?” Cuban said. “It’s not like, ‘Okay, we don’t go to the playoff game, that changes what we think and what we’re doing.’ I don’t care.”

He also says he's leaving it up to the league to decide on any tampering charges. 

Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports