The Dallas Mavericks turned down a chance to sign soon-to-be free agent Jalen Brunson before this NBA season. Brunson, who will be a free agent this offseason, could command a large contract thanks to his playoff performance thus far.
Brunson was eligible before the season for a four-year extension worth as much as $55.5 million. Such a deal would have kept Brunson around at a discount beyond his career year this season.
Per ESPN, the Dallas Mavericks didn’t offer the extension. In fact, the team didn’t engage in negotiations with Brunson’s representatives whatsoever before the season began.
“Dallas could have signed Brunson to a four-year extension for as much as $55.5 million before the season, but the Mavs didn’t offer it then nor did they engage in negotiations with Brunson’s representatives.”
Jalen Brunson was coming off of a disappointing playoff performance this past offseason. Then coach Rick Carlisle had cut Brunson’s minutes in the closing games of their first round loss to the LA Clippers.
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Brunson was unhappy with his performance, saying “It sat with me all summer” when asked about it during training camp.
This season, Brunson has shown drastic improvement. His 16.3 points per game this season were a career high, as were his 21 games of scoring 20-plus points. Brunson has further stepped up in the postseason for Dallas in the absence of Luka Doncic.
The guard scored 24, 41, and 31 points in the three games Luka Doncic missed to start the series, and added 23 points when Doncic returned for Game 4.
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Jalen Brunson has shown out as a versatile scorer and competent decision-maker offensively. With free agency looming, Brunson may be in line to secure a contract much larger than the 4-year $55 million deal Dallas could have offered him last offseason.
In a relatively weak free agency class, Brunson will be one of the best options on the table. Dallas will likely have to pay a premium should they hope to keep the guard around beyond this season.
