Competition for Jalen Brunson’s Services
Not only are the Detroit Pistons a team interested in Jalen Brunson, but the New York Knicks are in the market for more backcourt help and have shown interest in pursuing Brunson as well.
According to Marc Berman at the New York Post, the Knicks have had Brunson “on their radar” for quite some time now and this would make sense given Leon Rose’s relationship with Jalen Brunson’s father, Rick Brunson, who was Rose’s initial client when Rose started his sports agency business.
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The Knicks looked to pursue Jalen Brunson at the trade deadline this season and their interest in him is “not expected to vanish,” a source told NBA Analysis Network.
“Like Dallas, the Knicks have Brunson high on their free agency list and the Knicks will be looking to make him their focal point in their backcourt if possible,” the league source told NBA Analysis Network.
Kemba Walker has not worked out in New York City this season and with Derrick Rose being an aging veteran, addressing the point guard position is a “must” for the Knicks this upcoming offseason.
Projected to be roughly $25 million under the tax line entering the offseason and having plenty of movable contracts, the Knicks can be very aggressive in their pursuit for a player like Brunson and reaching a sign-and-trade agreement with Dallas may be the easiest way to acquire him.
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While a sign-and-trade would hard cap the New York Knicks, doing so would allow them to get out of a key contract or two, as well as ensure that they get Jalen Brunson on a contract that he is comfortable with.
