The New York Knicks had a significant build-up to their recruiting efforts for Jalen Brunson, and it ended successfully in NBA free agency. The Dallas Mavericks still need to adjust.

Any time an NBA team advances as far as the Conference Finals, they’re probably hoping to keep their core players heading into the next season. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way.

Take the 2021-22 Dallas Mavericks. That’s exactly how far they advanced in the postseason. By all accounts, it was a successful season. Unfortunately, Brunson decided to leave anyway.

He’ll be suiting up for the New York Knicks in 2022-23. Meanwhile, the Mavericks will be tasked with replacing him. As constructed, this team is woefully light on ball-handling behind Luka Doncic.

On the other hand, the New York Knicks didn’t get to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. In fact, they didn’t get to the playoffs at all.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dallas Mavericks & New York Knicks Updates

It’s hard to say what their approach to this offseason will be, but so far, they seem to be prioritizing draft capital and cap space.

Here’s a deal that helps them on both of those fronts.