16:05: The Mavericks were informed that free agent point guard Jalen Brunson intends to sign with the Knicks, a source tells Tim MacMahon of ESPN (Twitter link). Branson’s new deal will be worth about $ 110 million over four years, according to The Athletic’s Sams Harania, who wrote on Twitter that Dallas did not have a chance to make a final bid. Marc Stein (Twitter link) hears that the contract will be worth about $ 105 million, plus incentives. The meeting that Branson had scheduled with the Mavericks in New York at the beginning of the free Agency is no longer taking place, according to Stein (Twitter link). A report last night suggested that Branson would meet with the Knicks, the Mavericks and the Heat at the start of the free agency, but the news came out earlier today that the meeting with Miami did not take place either. Branson, 25, appeared in 79 regular-season games last season (31.9 MPG), averaging 16.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG and 4.8 APG in 0.502 / .373 / .840 shots. He also posted a 3: 1 assist-to-roll ratio, which is considered a strong point of reference for a ball handler. Branson also excelled in the postseason, averaging 21.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG and 3.7 APG shooting 0.466 / .347 / .800 in 18 games (34.9 MPG). He led the team to consecutive victories in the first round against Utah in the absence of injured star Luka Doncic, scoring 41 points and 31 points, respectively. Despite his strong performances last season, Brunson is not without flaws. He is only 6’1 ″ and although he is strong, he is not the best athlete, which limits his defensive flexibility. The Knicks and Branson have been dating for months. As it has been repeatedly said, Knicks basketball president 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. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix previously said that part of the Knicks’s field for Brunson is the ability to be the full-time key point guard. In Dallas, he is a more secondary choice in the position, with Doncic directing the show. The Mavericks have long shown confidence in their ability to re-sign Branson, but that confidence had declined significantly over the past week or so. They retained the rights of their birds, enabling them to offer more years (five) and money than other groups, but were reportedly willing to reach only $ 106m over five years, which is obviously much less per year than what the Knicks offer. Dallas plans to be well above the pay ceiling, limiting the team’s ability to secure an adequate replacement for Branson. However, Stein states (via Twitter) that the Mavs are not expected to immediately seek a replacement, but rely on incumbent Spencer Dinwiddie and Tim Hardaway Jr. for the depth of the back court. Hardway lost about half of the season, including after the season, but he should be healthy for 2022/23, Stein notes. Dallas eventually plans to chase veteran guard Goran Dragic as soon as the team pursues higher priority goals, including fins and front-line players, per Stein. It is worth noting that reports two days ago stated that the Knicks were expected to lure Brunson on the terms described above, and now his commitment to New York has been finalized before the free Agency officially opens, so the Knicks are likely to face a future counterfeiting investigation.
