Just minutes after the Mavericks` 2021-22 season concluded, Mark Cuban suggested that re-signing Jalen Brunson was a certainty. He casually mentioned “obviously after re-signing JB” while discussing offseason plans on Bally Sports Southwest. Throughout the Mavericks` playoff journey, as Brunson`s value increased in free agency, Cuban consistently reminded reporters that the team held Brunson`s Bird rights. This meant they could exceed the salary cap to keep him and offer larger raises and a longer contract than other teams.
“We can pay him more than anyone,” Cuban stated when specifically asked about Brunson. “I believe he wants to stay, and that`s the most crucial aspect.”
Brunson was surprised by Cuban`s comments when he saw them on social media. He had avoided discussing his future contract throughout the season, even though Coach Jason Kidd often said his goal was to “get Brunson paid.” Brunson`s value rose during the playoffs, especially when he performed exceptionally well in Luka Dončić`s absence, proving himself as the clear second option for a Western Conference Finals team. Seeing Cuban’s remarks, Brunson hoped for a substantial contract offer, a real commitment to the player Dallas had previously considered trading.
“Hey, JB is about to get that bag,” Dorian Finney-Smith announced to the media before Brunson that night. Brunson remained reserved, stating he was focused on playing with his teammates and appreciating their achievements, saying he would consider free agency later.
“He`s incredibly boring to interview,” Jalen`s father, Rick Brunson, had joked the previous month, attributing it to his son’s college coach, Jay Wright. “It`s a Villanova thing. Jay Wright programmed him to give the same standard answers to every question. He didn`t learn that from me.”
Rick Brunson, who played for eight teams over nine NBA seasons, made these comments in a hallway at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City after the Mavericks` Game 3 win over the Jazz. Players and staff laughed seeing Rick Brunson chatting with a reporter. Some jokingly said, “Uh-oh.”
Jalen was the breakout player of the first round, leading the Mavericks to a 2-1 series lead against the Jazz while Dončić was injured. Rick wanted to voice the family`s perspective. While Jalen avoided discussing his upcoming free agency, his father was ready to share their side of the story.
“We need to know if Dallas truly wants him, not just with words,” Rick Brunson emphasized. “No discounts. Don`t just say you love me, show me.”
The Brunsons felt unappreciated by the Mavericks the previous summer. Jalen, who finished fourth in Sixth Man of the Year voting, was eligible for a four-year extension worth up to $55.5 million. This seemed reasonable for a 24-year-old who had proven himself as a key player, had a strong relationship with Dončić, and contributed positively to the team culture. The Brunsons expected the offer and were ready to accept, excited for Jalen`s financial security. They even looked at houses in Dallas, envisioning Jalen having a backyard for his dog.
During their summer vacation in Jamaica, they discussed the anticipated extension. They decided they would even accept slightly less than the maximum if needed, around $50 million. “I gave them a discount!” Rick Brunson later claimed.
However, the Mavericks, through Brunson`s agents, indicated they weren`t ready to commit. “When I got the call – [the Mavericks said], `We really want to think about it` – it ruined my vacation,” Rick Brunson admitted.
The Mavericks explained they had recently undergone organizational changes, hiring a new coach and general manager, and needed time to assess the roster. They wanted to wait until training camp in September. But even then, no offer was made.
Several factors influenced the Mavericks` hesitation. Brunson might have been needed in a trade for a co-star for Dončić, but an extension would have made him untradeable before the deadline. Cuban was also concerned about luxury tax implications, especially with Dončić`s upcoming supermax contract. Cuban underestimated Brunson’s market value, believing the best offer Brunson would receive in free agency was the mid-level exception, around $45.1 million over four years.
Rick Brunson declared that they would not discuss contracts during the season if an extension wasn`t offered before the season opener on October 21. However, in early January, they approached the Mavericks again, stating Jalen would sign the extension then, after he had performed well during Dončić`s absence and earned a starting role.
“They ignored it,” Rick Brunson said. “They had every right to make their business decisions. I don`t blame them.”
Speculation arose about Brunson joining the Knicks in free agency, despite their cap space issues. Brunson was an unrestricted free agent due to a contract detail negotiated by his former agent, Leon Rose, now the Knicks` president, a mistake by Donnie Nelson and Cuban. This agent was also Brunson`s godfather.
The Brunson family had strong Knicks connections. Coach Tom Thibodeau had known Jalen since childhood and had a long relationship with Rick, dating back to Rick`s high school days. Thibodeau had coached Rick in New York and Houston and later hired him as an assistant in Chicago and Minnesota. Sam Rose, Brunson`s agent and lifelong friend, is Leon`s son.
“I think this New York thing is too tied to his family to overcome,” Mavs GM Nico Harrison texted Cuban in February.
Despite this, the Mavericks didn`t trade Brunson. They considered trading Tim Hardaway Jr.’s contract to create cap space for a larger Brunson extension. Brunson`s agents indicated they would accept a five-year, $87 million offer. However, Dallas only offered the original four-year, $55.5 million extension. Finney-Smith signed his identical extension, but Brunson declined, feeling he was worth more.
“It was a very short conversation,” Rick Brunson said. “I was told, `You guys wouldn`t be interested in that deal now, would you?` I just laughed.”
Brunson continued to improve his value throughout the season. His performance as the primary ball-handler against the Jazz showed his ability in crucial moments. He was also content as Dončić`s secondary player, a role he earned over time despite the Mavericks acquiring other guards who reduced his minutes.
The Mavericks faced challenges in finding a co-star for Dončić due to limited trade assets and Dončić`s ball-dominant style. Brunson, a low-maintenance player, seemed like a suitable co-star who didn`t mind playing in Dončić`s shadow.
“Ego is the main challenge,” Brunson said during the conference finals. “When one player has the ball so much, others can get frustrated. But I`ve learned to play without needing the ball all the time. It`s Luka Dončić’s team, and it`s not changing. I`ve learned to fit in and be successful in my role.”
Rick Brunson, acknowledging his son`s growth, envisioned Jalen leading his own offense. “Dallas is a great fit, but my son wants what Luka has – the chance to lead. Everyone wants that feeling. We`ll consider all options this summer.”
A week after the Mavericks` season ended, Rick Brunson rejoined Thibodeau as a Knicks assistant coach. Jalen Brunson said he heard “crickets” from the Mavericks leading up to free agency, surprising him given Cuban`s public confidence. On draft night, the Knicks made moves to clear cap space, signaling their intention to sign Brunson.
“We weren`t shocked by the Knicks` actions,” Harrison said. “We remain optimistic until he says otherwise. We have to be.”
Cuban considered a fair offer for Brunson to be similar to Fred VanVleet`s contract, around $105 million over five years. He used VanVleet`s $21 million salary as a benchmark, similar to how he used Mike Bibby’s contract standard when Steve Nash left Dallas years prior.
The Knicks further cleared payroll by trading Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks, making a competitive offer to Brunson possible. Reports indicated the Knicks were expected to offer Brunson over $100 million for four years.
The Mavericks still scheduled a meeting with Brunson in New York on June 30th. Mavericks players and team officials planned to attend. The Brunson family expected Cuban to make a last-ditch max offer to compete with the Knicks, as Dallas could offer up to $175.5 million over five years.
“I know what [Cuban is] going to do. He`ll come to New York with a max deal,” Rick Brunson told his family. “He`s got plenty of money, so he`s coming with a max offer and asking, `What will you do?`”
Jalen Brunson`s response was, “I`m taking it.”
“And I said, `Gotta do it!`” Rick Brunson added.
The Mavericks could have made it difficult for Brunson to leave by matching the Knicks` annual salary, especially with Texas`s no state income tax advantage. However, Cuban and the Mavericks didn`t increase their offer. The meeting was canceled, with both sides initially blaming the other. (Cuban and Brunson later agreed the Mavericks canceled it when discussing it on Brunson`s podcast.)
Brunson agreed to a four-year, $104 million deal with the Knicks that night, nearly double the extension he was offered the previous summer.
“Deep down, I felt he was leaving Dallas,” Rick Brunson said. “But I had to convince him he deserved to lead his own team. If Dallas had offered the same or more money, I`m not sure he would have left. But they made it easy.”
Brunson’s contract proved to be a bargain as he quickly became a star in New York, revitalizing a struggling franchise.
Months later, Cuban blamed Rick Brunson for interfering in negotiations. Rick Brunson wasn`t offended, given his son`s success. “Yeah, I`m the father. You protect your kids and tell them the truth.”
Cuban claimed the Mavericks couldn`t outbid the Knicks because they didn`t know the offer, despite public reports. This situation led to the NBA fining the Knicks for tampering.
“We didn`t know the bid,” Cuban said. “Knowing the numbers now, I would have paid it, but he wouldn`t have come anyway. It wasn`t about money.”
Cuban also disputed the Brunsons` claim that Jalen would have signed an extension in January. He even showed reporters texts from February to prove his point, shocking his GM. When asked about January texts, Cuban became defensive.
“Bullshit! That`s fucking bullshit, Tim!” Cuban exclaimed. “And you`re a moron if you believe those motherfuckers.”
