Jalen Brunson reveals the behind-the-scenes of his departure from the Mavericks: “I would like to…”

A year ago, Dallas Mavericks It is New York Knicks experienced a dispute in the market for the shipowner Jalen Brunsonwhen the player chose to leave the team Texas and move to the franchise New York. However, new facts were revealed by the star himself during the “All The Smoke” podcast, who stated that the Texans had the opportunity to renew his contract twice and for an affordable price, but ended up refusing.

According to the number 11, both parties negotiated an early contract extension, even before the 2021/22 season, when Brunson reached his best basketball level. However, the proposal of US$55 million over four years was not accepted by Dallas.

“I mean it when I say I wish I had stayed with the Mavericks at that time. It was the team that selected me in the Draft and I liked the role I had there. At the time, I didn't think I would be leaving Dallas anytime soon. But things did not materialize for a renewal. It was actually funny, because when we started trading, my market value wasn't the same as it is today; this happened before 2021/22. So, I was very calm about values, I was prioritizing, above all, the security of a long contract. And my agent told me I could get more if I wanted and get paid. But it wasn’t something I paid much attention to at the time.”said Jalen Brunson.

“However, I think Dallas himself had doubts. They wanted to see how the campaign would be after 25 games, 30 games. I wish I had signed before the campaign, it's not the sort of thing you like to look at during the season. So, it is what it is”, continued. The extension option didn't come until before the trade deadline. But, before that, the number 11 revealed that his role began to grow after a knee injury. Luka Doncic. However, the franchise once again hesitated in paying the amount requested by the player.

“I was a reserve a lot of the time, so it made sense from a certain point of view. But things got complicated later, because there was a moment when Luka was injured and I started to start and become a protagonist in the team. This matched the period in which they told me they were going to observe during the campaign. So, I had, I don't know, 20 points of average, and the offer was on the table. They continued with the same position of waiting”, he revealed. Later, when the final trade date arrived, the Mavericks tried to start new conversations with Brunson on a similar proposal, however, it was the athlete who decided to wait, which was fundamental for his move to the Knicks.

“Business is difficult. As I said before, I believe that, when things started to happen, it was much more my thing than the franchise's. They had the opportunity and just wanted to finish it later. At the same time that it was more interesting for them, the market also opened up for me. In the end, I also ended up having other chances and left in the end for a more lucrative deal.”he commented.