Report: Knicks seen as heavy favorites for Mavericks' Brunson
The New York Knicks are considered the strongest candidates to sign Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson in free agency, sources told ESPN's Tim MacMahon.
The former second-rounder is reportedly expected to sign a four-year deal worth over $100 million once Thursday's free agency window commences.
To fulfill the league's salary cap obligations, the Knicks will need to either make a move to create space before signing Brunson or work on a sign-and-trade agreement with Dallas.
The 25-year-old produced a career season with the Mavericks in 2021-22, averaging 16.3 points and 4.8 assists per contest after starting the campaign as a reserve. He was particularly impressive in the postseason, dropping 21.6 points per game in Dallas' run to the Western Conference Finals.
Brunson turned down a four-year, $55.5 million extension with the Mavericks after the trade deadline before increasing his value in the playoffs.
New York has been regarded as the favorite to win Brunson's services due to close ties with his family. The team recently hired Brunson's father Rick - a former NBA player himself - as an assistant coach, and Knicks president Leon Rose represented both Brunsons as an agent.