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Knicks end pursuit of Jalen Brunson with massive free agency win

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 12: Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates his three point shot in the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 12, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 12: Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates his three point shot in the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 12, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Well, New York Knicks, it’s done. With less than an hour left before the start of free agency, the Dallas Mavericks’ meeting with Jalen Brunson was called off because the guard that they drafted with the No. 33 pick in 2018 had already decided to make the switch to New York on what’s been reported to be a four-year, $104 million deal.

The Knicks have their point guard of the future. Yes, you read that right. It doesn’t seem real after the past 20 years of suffering, but the question marks have been erased. After a long time coming, it’s Brunson who will lead New York’s offense.

With Kevin Durant requesting a trade from the Brooklyn Nets and the Knicks securing Brunson, what a time to be alive. This is all a surreal feeling and it’s one that fans should fully embrace.

Jalen Brunson signs with the New York Knicks in free agency

Brunson excelled with the Mavericks in the 2021 playoffs, averaging 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 46.6% from the field.

The 25-year-old is coming off a career year, averaging 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting 50.2% from the floor in 79 regular-season games. He was due for a huge payday, considering that he made $1.8 million in 2021-22.

And that’s exactly what Brunson got from New York. With the help of his agent Sam Rose, the son of Leon Rose, Brunson will get to join his father Rick, who was recently hired as a Knicks assistant coach.

It was a week ago when fans were left puzzled by the moves that New York made on draft night, which included trading the No. 11 pick and offloading Kemba Walker’s contract. Once Leon knew that the Knicks weren’t going to be able to trade for Jaden Ivey, he set his sights solely on Brunson and free agency.

New York’s been duped by past free agents, and after Chris Haynes of Yahoo! Sports reported that the Miami Heat were also going to meet with Brunson during free agency (which turned out to not happen), some fans started to wonder if the Brunson dreams were too good to be true. None of that ended up mattering.

Mark Cuban, you got outplayed. Jalen Brunson is a New York Knick. Welcome to your new home, PG. You’ll love it here.