Defensively, the Dallas Mavericks have been one of the best teams in the NBA this season, as they rank 5th in defensive rating. Offensively though, they rank just 19th in the league and have really struggled to find scoring outside of Luka Doncic.
Occasionally, Maxi Kleber and Dorian Finney-Smith provide solid scoring outputs, but fourth-year guard Jalen Brunson has really stepped up this season, especially in the absence of Tim Hardaway Jr.
While many classify him as an “undersized guard” at 6’1”, Jalen Brunson has been fantastic this year, averaging 16.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists and shooting 50.3% from the floor.
Being a crafty finisher in the lane, Brunson plays to his strengths and is able to get to his spots on offense, taking a lot of pressure off of Luka Doncic to have to make every single play for the Dallas Mavericks.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Backup Plans For Mavericks If Brunson Departs In Offseason
At the trade deadline, the Mavericks made a big move to trade Kristaps Porzingis to the Wizards for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans and then they extended the contract of Dorian Finney-Smith for another four years.
The Mavericks seem to have a long-term plan in-place right now, but all of their attention now turns towards Brunson, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
The former 33rd overall pick in 2018 has played himself into being a core member of the Dallas Mavericks and a solid secondary option in the backcourt next to Doncic, but the Mavs will have some competition on their hands entering the offseason in terms of signing Jalen Brunson.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Backup Plans For Mavericks If Brunson Departs In Offseason
An extension is still on the table for Dallas and Brunson ahead of the conclusion of this season, but it is widely expected that the 25-year-old guard will be entering free agency as one of the more sought after guards on the market.
So which teams will be targeting Jalen Brunson this summer? Here are three teams to watch as offseason suitors for the Mavericks’ young guard.
