Jalen Brunson has emerged as one of the brightest young stars of this year’s playoffs. With Luka Doncic shelved for the beginning of the Dallas Mavericks’ series against the Denver Nuggets, the 25-year-old stepped up in a way nobody saw coming.
While Brunson’s heroics have played an instrumental role in keeping the Mavs alive in the postseason, they also come with one major drawback.
That drawback?
There are now multiple teams very interested in stealing Brunson away from Dallas.
According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, the Detroit Pistons are very enthralled with Brunson. They see “how well Brunson fits with Doncic and envision him similarly enhancing Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft who is also a big-bodied scorer and playmaker.”
But it’s not just Detroit. The New York Knicks, described as “a franchise with deep ties to the Brunson family,” also have interest.
The Mavericks had the opportunity to sign Brunson last year to a $55.5 million extension, but failed to do so because of his playoff woes against the L.A. Clippers. Now he figures to command something in the $20 million per year range.
The photos speak for themselves. https://t.co/0sKrpj6uyA
— Game 7 (@game7__) April 24, 2022
So far in the playoffs Brunson is averaging 29.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. It’s clear why opposing squads are interested.
The Mavericks have a busy summer ahead, no matter how these playoffs go.
Will Brunson figure into the organization’s long-term plans? Time will tell.
Related: Why Lakers Failed To Trade Russell Westbrook To Rockets
Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
