Mark Cuban acknowledged the Dallas Mavericks’ significant error in letting Jalen Brunson leave for the Knicks.
“It was really, really simple. We weren’t thinking about what JB was going to be,” Cuban said during a recent episode of “House of Haymakers.” He owned the Mavericks from 2000 to 2023.
Brunson played four seasons with the Mavericks, averaging more than 15 points per game in his last season of 2021-22.
Dallas had the chance to extend his contract for $55 million before his breakout year but opted to wait and see if his value would change. Cuban thought they could match whatever offers other teams presented, but Brunson ended up accepting a four-year, $104 million deal from the Knicks before even engaging with the Mavericks.
“With Luka, he showed his star potential,” Cuban said, referring to Luka Doncic. “He won the game for us against Utah with an injury, but we were trying to get a star to complement Luka, and JB’s star hadn’t risen yet.” It’s interesting, isn’t it? How perception can shift.
Since leaving for New York, Brunson’s status has clearly surged; he recently won the NBA Finals MVP title, helping the Knicks secure their first championship in over five decades.
In the Finals, Brunson posted impressive figures: 32.6 points, 4.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game, including a 45-point performance that clinched the series.
His overall success with the Knicks has been notable, averaging 26.3 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.4 rebounds across 284 games.
His contributions were crucial during their championship run. Interestingly, the court rejected a proposed $113 million in guaranteed money when he signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension in 2024, allowing the Knicks to bring in other talents like OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
