While the team entered the offseason believing that Brunson preferred to return to Dallas, it is understandable that what New York could offer – a lucrative contract, more opportunities and family ties – was a factor in Brunson’s imminent decision. It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post – BP relationship with other competitors, such as Branson Father Rick joins the Knicks coaching staff and several other close ties Branson has with the New York organization. But the Mavericks players and executives have realized the growing possibility of Branson leaving as a free agent without restrictions in recent weeks. (Last Thursday, Marc Stein had the first substantive report of an off-season event.) Within the Mavericks organization, discussions have shifted from Brunson’s re-signing to replacing his production, as well as the possibility of a signing deal. and a trade involving Branson that could at least prevent Dallas from losing him for nothing. Like the Mavericks, Brunson may have entered this off-season believing he would return to Dallas, sources say, and it is unclear when and why those feelings changed. If there was one awkward aspect of last season, in which Branson was otherwise successful as the Mavericks’ second choice, it was the team’s decision to turn down an expansion offer before the season – and then, once again, against during. It is unclear whether Branson would have actually signed the four-year, $ 55.5 million deal, the largest amount Dallas could offer him during the year. While Rick Brunson told ESPN in April that his son would be willing to sign him in January, there was a strong belief around the league that, at that point, Brunson had already played on more lucrative ground. In any case, the extension was never officially offered. Branson’s official departure from the Mavericks will be considered a blow, even if it was recently predicted. When the Mavericks’ season ended in the Western Conference finals last month, the team’s general manager, Nico Harrison, said that Branson’s re-signing was the team’s top priority. In the final months of the season, Dallas embraced its ability to alternate three playmaking guards, which fueled the team’s deeper-than-expected course after the season. It would be a surprise for the team not to repeat this approach next season, which would require replacing Branson in some way. As it stands, Dallas will enter next season with a roster that exceeds the $ 7 million luxury tax threshold, making it a tax-paying team for the first time since the 2010-11 NBA season. That was the main argument for keeping Branson at all costs, even if he had put the Mavericks far beyond the tax penalty they would pay today if the roster remained the same. However, Dallas is expected to remain above the luxury tax limit this off-season, with further moves expected. It has become clear, however, that the future they are preparing for is one without Branson. (Photo: Kevin Jairaj / USA TODAY Sports)
