JULY 12: Brunson’s deal with the Knicks is official, the team announced on Twitter.
“We are beyond thrilled to add Jalen Brunson to our organization,” said Knicks president Leon Rose. “He’s a competitor, a leader, a play-maker, and most importantly a winner. His addition is a perfect complement to the team that we are building and the culture we are establishing.”
JUNE 30, 8:36am: Brunson has now formally agreed to a four-year, $104MM contract with the Knicks, agents Aaron Mintz and Sam Rose tell ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link). The deal will include a fourth-year player option.
JUNE 30, 4:05pm: The Mavericks have been informed that free agent point guard Jalen Brunson intends to sign with the Knicks, a source tells Tim MacMahon of ESPN (Twitter link).
Brunson’s new deal will be worth in the neighborhood of $110MM over four years, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, who tweets that Dallas didn’t get the opportunity to make a final offer. Marc Stein (Twitter link) hears the contract will be worth about $105MM, plus incentives.
The meeting that Brunson had set with the Mavericks in New York City at the start of free agency is no longer taking place, according to Stein (Twitter link). A report last night suggested that Brunson would meet with the Knicks, Mavericks, and Heat at the start of free agency, but word broke earlier today that the meeting with Miami wasn’t happening either.
Brunson, 25, appeared in 79 regular season games last season (31.9 MPG), averaging 16.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG and 4.8 APG on .502/.373/.840 shooting. He also posted a 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, considered a strong benchmark for a ball-handler.
Brunson also excelled with a larger role in the postseason, averaging 21.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG and 3.7 APG on .466/.347/.800 shooting in 18 games (34.9 MPG). He led the team to back-to-back first-round victories over Utah in the absence of injured star Luka Doncic, scoring 41 points and 31 points, respectively.
Despite his strong performances last season, Brunson isn’t without flaws. He’s only 6’1″ and although he’s strong, he’s not the best athlete, which limits his defensive versatility.
The Knicks and Brunson have been linked to one another for months. As has been repeated ad nauseam, Knicks president of basketball operations Leon Rose is Brunson’s former agent, Rose’s son Sam Rose is Brunson’s current agent, and Brunson’s father Rick Brunson was recently hired as a Knicks assistant.
Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated previously reported that part of the Knicks’ pitch to Brunson is the ability to be the full-time starting point guard. In Dallas, he’s more of a secondary option at the position, with Doncic running the show.
The Mavericks had long projected confidence in their ability to re-sign Brunson, but that confidence had waned considerably over the past week or so. They held his Bird Rights, giving them the ability to offer more years (five) and money than other teams, but reportedly were only willing to go as high as $106MM over five years, which is obviously considerably less annually than the Knicks are offering.
Dallas projects to be far over the salary cap, limiting the team’s ability to secure an adequate replacement for Brunson. However, Stein reports (via Twitter) that the Mavs aren’t expected to immediately pursue a replacement, instead relying on incumbent guards Spencer Dinwiddie and Tim Hardaway Jr. for backcourt depth.
Hardway missed about half the season, including the postseason, but he should be healthy for 2022/23, Stein notes. Dallas eventually plans to go after veteran guard Goran Dragic once the team pursues higher priority targets, including wings and frontcourt players, per Stein.
It’s worth noting that reports two days ago said the Knicks were expected to land Brunson on the terms outlined above, and now his commitment to New York has all but been finalized before free agency officially opens, so it’s possible the Knicks will face a tampering investigation in the future.
Tampering?
Yeah, this kinda thing has never happened before. Lol. Tampering hasn’t been enforced for awhile now. The league is a mess.
It was literally enforced the last 2 off seasons, Milwaukee lost a pick, Miami lost a pick, Chicago lost a pick….the only person it’s not enforced on is Lebron because he’s adam silvers side slam piece
Funny how LeBron can say the same thing as Green says but he gets a $50,000 fine.
Thanks to lebron and friends
He’s born and raised in the tristate area. Even went to college there. I think he’s always wanted this.
What’s considered the tri-state area? I was thinking you meant NY/NJ/CT which does not include Villanova…but I am guessing you are talking about PA instead of CT
Sounds a lot like Kemba Walker, who had the barely-breathing tabloids creaming in their pants last fall. The Knicks have since dumped Walker on Detroit who are buying him out.
Born in the tristate area, also lived in the Chicago area. Went to HS at Stevenson in Lincolnshire. I think he just wanted to lead a team and be the main ball handler.
Yes, but it was through his dad, so that’s hard to enforce.
If they pursue it, I think they’d have a good case. Hired his dad, Rick Brunson, three weeks ago as an assistant coach. Leon Rose’s first client when he was an agent was Rick Brunson. Jalen Brunson’s agent when he broke into the league was Leon Rose. Jalen Brunson’s current agent is Leon Rose’s son Sam. Way too fishy.
Well said. If found guilty and the going penalty is a 2nd round pick, I don’t think the Knicks will be crying over it too much.
Everything you cited is not a case for tampering. It’s circumstantial evidence. They would need to have some proof of contact with the player or representation before the legal tampering period.
At the same time Brunson can show that his family has been connected to Rose for the some time prior (relationship/history) and can’t prevent the family from having relationships with agents/executives.
” Hired his dad, Rick Brunson, three weeks ago as an assistant coach.” Until the draft, June 23, signing Brunson was one of several Plan B options. Plan A was trading up to get Ivey. This has been extensively reported here and elsewhere. There’s no way the Knicks hired Rick solely for the purpose of going after one of their secondary choices. It was only after failing at trading up did the Knicks start to clear space to sign a free agent. If there was “tampering”, it would not have occurred until June 23 at the earliest.
I disagree. They could want both of them. They are not mutually exclusive.
Tampering means agreements while he under contract with Dallas. Not past business dealings or job contacts.
Just another Knicks knee jerk reaction to a one hit wonder in free agency. Let’s see where this one winds up. Knicks have to have the hot topic. Come on down.
It’s only tampering when the Bucks do it.
Good player but let’s see what he can do without LD not drawing the double team all game. Good luck JB. Quality player
Good player, but this is a overpay. Don’t think he’s going to flourish without the spacing the Mavs are so good at. Likely going to be as disappointing as Randle is.
He won two games for them in the playoff of Luka was on the bench hurt. He earned his shot he grew up a Knick fan let him live his dream. Go Team Brunson!
Grew up a Bulls fan, bud
Yeah, this is tampering. I mean, I know it happens, but to know the complete terms prior to being able to discuss contracts is kinda nuts… C’mon!
Also, “Thanks for letting us know we weren’t going to meet until after we flew to NYC!!!”
The meet ha. I bet Brunson was hoping they would bid against each other. Boss move, but no way it happens. I would like to hear what Cuban would say tho.
Ahahahah Knicks trash! Huge overpay just to get knocked out in first round…if they make it
Do you have a better move they could have made? If so are you interested in sharing it? Or are you fine just being a hater in the comments?
How about sign nobody and preserve cap space?!! There is a thing called roster flexibility. You don’t have to spend just to spend.
Just say no.
No one asked for your excuses.
Preserve cap space for who? Everyone signing extensions right now. So what are you preserving cap space for? Tell me a guy that the knicks are getting in free agency anytime soon that’s better then Brunson? Looking at this situation logically tells you the knicks are armed to the teeth with draft capital and if guys keep improving tradable assets in quickley toppin grimes and even Barrett in the right deal. Plus Randle if he comes back focused could be traded so it’s all noise other wise. Most teams in the same boat for the next few years and have 0 chance to win!
Don’t they get new free agents every year? Somebody might become available next year or mid season. Sign some 1 year deals for roster filler. That’s why it’s called “flexibility”. It gives you options.
Deal done prior to free agency? Sounds like major tampering to me. Enjoy your time watching the playoffs from home Jalen!
Please no more stories about this. We have all seen it coming a mile away.
Woah, is this an exclusive report? This is the first I’m hearing about it!
LoL Going to play for daddy is soft as Wendys Ice Cream.
Mavs should get a pick due to Tampering.
This was ridiculous.
I wish Brunson luck. Enjoy the slightly larger bag and early vacation every year.
He left a team with a generational superstar that just played in the Conference Finals to go to a team that’s most known for it’s never ending futility as a highly criticized big money signing, putting a massive target on his back in arguably the biggest media market in the country.
That makes him soft?
This is an underrated comment. Criticize JB all you want, but calling the move soft is nonsense
For the record, they are called Frosties not ice cream.
Nope. No evidence of tampering. That has to involve something the NYK and Brunson did together (like reach an agreement). Not what NYK indicated they’d offer. Not what Brunson told DAL. Not what DAL told the media. Should be obvious, but apparently not.
For everyone saying he’s overpaid, he’s now the 14th highest paid PG in the league, and that’s before the Ja/Garland extensions. He’s being paid as an average starting PG, and he’s at the very least above average even if not a star.
Knicks are loaded with assets and movable pieces so this shouldn’t be the only big move made, but fills a need they’ve had for as long as some people have been alive on this board.
For the love of everything that is good about basketball, Knicks DON’T DO THIS!! I really like Brunson, but you’re going overpay a role player and mess up your books for the rest of the decade. Smfh!
Give my dad a job and we have a deal.
I wonder how much his dad makes? Probably not much. It maybe more about giving his dad something to do that he enjoys and seeing his son while at work.
Hope mavs work out a sign and trade for him if JB wants that 5 year deal vs 4
What a d-bag.
Ha haha hahaha HaHu hehehoho Hu Ho hu
Ha ha Ho Ho he hi Hugo hi hoho haha
Haters love to hate. Cause they don’t got knowledge of the things they hate.
Ballers want to play and lead. Not sit and watch hero ball.
This is a team Game. Brunson has been doing it since his college days. Why wouldn’t he want to lead the Knicks.
Best thing about this is he’s 25 with upside. Means we are still rebuilding.
It’s a shame there are so many busters on here. Cause this is really a good basketball debate. Personally I’m not a big Brunson guy. But I really haven’t watch him seriously. Oh I will now, oh yeah.
But his fit and passing on other targets like Murray. Is really a good basketball debate. And good conversation about ball.
But you need Knowledge and really care about the NBA to have it. Too bad
HowULikeUsNow …….. Geniuses
What playoff spot do you see them making next year?
I dont.the Knicks aren’t making playoffs.brunson nuts to leave mavs fir this shipwreck.
First we must move Randle. Not even thinking about next yr. We still got moves to make. There’s a trade coming. They passed on Murray. There has to be something in the works. Still building imo. I’ll wait till opening day rosters. To look forward.
@KnickerbockerAl how many times have the Knicks made the playoffs in the past 20 years?
I am wondering how a team could be called the basketball meca when they have not won a championship since 1973?
Team isn’t, it’s the building. Used to be the place for college tourneys and teams across the country would travel to play games at MSG (sorta like the religious journeys to the “Mecca”)
Has absolutely nothing to do with the team. Just a name, like how Yankee Stadium is “the baseball cathedral” or whatever
Thanks for the knowledge.
You must not know who built the Garden. It was built by basketball and boxing. More so ball and now it’s historical arena. Known all over. MSG is only arena that doesn’t have a corporate name.
The NIT was bigger than the NCAA. Cause it was played in NY MSG.
The New York Knicks have appeared in the NBA Finals 8 times, in 1951, 1952, 1953, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1994 and 1999.
94 hurts. Still.
What your point ??
Who’s been in the Finals more times. The Mets or the Knicks …… you don’t want a history lesson. I know more about Mets than Knicks.
You talk about haters hating on things they don’t know about, then admit to not really knowing that much about Brunson, but swear its a great signing? Hmmm
What I don’t know is yrs away from what you know. We are not the same. I will learn him. I promise.
This 104m contract is part of the rebuild you’re always claiming, I guess? A quick scroll through your post history shows prior to the off-season, you’ve been the guy clamoring all season of how terrible a move this would be for the Knicks.
I’d mute you and Sillivan if you weren’t the best basketball media entertainment provided on slow news days.
Claiming …. Look up definition of rebuild. Then try and understand my version.
I still prefer Dinwiddie. Plus I really wanted Murray. You think I change like you. Please show us your genius.
favefla got not flavor. Just a disgruntled troll
Awfully hostile, Alex. If you keep telling people how much you know, I’m sure they will get it eventually.
What are you even saying lol? I’ve seen plenty of Brunson. He’s solid. It should leave a bad taste in Dallas’ mouth the way he handled this. Not even giving them a last sit down to hear them out? Weak imo.
F Dallas … you could of gave him max. Now you here crying. Calling a 25 yr old names. His first time as a FA. He needed No time to decide. That’s what you want. Why would you even want him. If he don’t want you. Boo Hoo
He won’t make Knicks better
The money isn’t that bad honestly. In a league where Harris and Robinson are making 20 a year, 27 a year isn’t that bad for Brunson. Randle is the problem in New York. They should have him be the 6th man because he will just interfere with the young players who should start. Mitch Robinson, Toppin, RJ, Grimes, Brunson starters. Hartenstein, Randle, Fournier, Rose, Quickley off the bench. Tampering is the biggest problem here but we all know it’s only tampering when Milwaukee does it
Randle will be a malcontent if he is the 6th man. Best bet for the Knicks would be take bad contract back and include one of their lesser value protected firsts. Brunson will make them better but not that much better.
Maybe San Antonio. I don’t know how they will make the money work so it matches back and forth but he is a Texas native and SA can stock another first while possible rebuild his trade value with good play and no more pouting on his part.
Randle is already a malcontent, imo. Horrible attitude and demeanor on the court and many times took stupid fouls or techs that hurt the team. That was a bad contract before it was even offered.
Look, it’s as simple as this: the Knicks have to start somewhere. Instead of trading half the roster for melo or Starbury, you sign quality players that fit and want to be here and you’re not mortgaging anything.
Over time Brunson’s contract will be fine. Money is not the issue. Lu Dort just got $87 mil. The Knicks got a PG for a decent price. Now you build off of this. But you have to start somewhere.
So he took less to go to the Knicks? Nobody in their right mind does that.
Dallas offer was 5 years instead of the 4 by NY for the same 105 million.
Signed seal delivered. He’s a Knickerbocker
link to music.youtube.com
What playoff spot will they make next year Al? I want that baller insight.
In all honesty? Something like 7-10 seed and losing the play-in game with Thibs fired at season’s end.
The moves aren’t over. Really should wait till opening day. To see who’s on this team. Not a Randle guy at all. I see a few moves coming.
Mitch signed, Hartenstein signed, Sims signed…. More moves to come ……..
It’s not nearly as much of an overpay as some make it out to be, but none of this matters until Randle is gone. Remember, he still thinks of himself as THE guy and wants the ball in his hands a ton. On top of that, neither Brunson, he or, assuming they bring him back, Robinson are shooters. The overall fit is still bad.
So the Knicks still have a lot of work to do if they want to get this thing straightened out. Signing Brunson alone won’t nearly cut it. Hard to judge any of these deals until we see what the final board looks like.
Brunson is not the last or only move. The rebuilding Continues. Rebuilding a team is a great experience. Far from finished product.
Not going for Murray tells me. They have a target in mind. Brunson as a sign. Now a big trade, we’ll see.
The rebuilding continues..for another decade or 2. Keep up the good (mediocre) work Knicks.
He sucks. December 2023 they attach draft picks in a salary dump trade
Predict Brunson gets the MSG crowd going, synergy for the team. Quite helpful to winning. Last time I said this, I said draft Maxey. Would have been easier.
Knix a bit better.
They may get their ref jobs going too, if they look like they know what theyre doing oncourt.
Brunson is a good player who I think the Knicks are projecting to get better off this season and his playoff run. I don’t have an issue with this move. However, this is not enough. You can’t do all this maneuvering for Brunson alone because this really doesn’t move the needle much. I’m holding out hope a big trade is coming where they use their young players and draft picks otherwise this offseason is nothing to get excited about.
Well said.
Jalen Brunson shooting without Luka this playoffs:
— 50.7 FG%
— 41.2 3P%
Jalen Brunson shooting with Luka this playoffs:
— 41.0 FG%
— 30.0 3P%
…………………………………………………………..
Brunson played 17 regular-season games without Doncic in the 2021-22 season. During those games, he was better in almost every single statistic. He averaged 20.4 points, 7.5 assists, and 3.9 rebounds on 49% shooting from the floor and 35% shooting from three.
Yeah he will suck cause he’s without Luka. And because the Haters want him to fail.
I just try and figure out the A n ses. That want a 25 yr old to fail. What drives that. It’s comical and sad at the same time.
So READ the STATS and SWALLOW SlowLy.
And just in case you don’t get it. Luka does not play for the KNICKS …..
He’s a great 3rd or 4th option for a team
104 million is not overpay for a PG in today’s NBA. Knicks have tradable contracts, 11 1st round picks and young core all under 24 years old.
Desperate moves are not needed at this point. Knicks will be getting more calls than they make in the upcoming months.