Mark Cuban and Jalen Brunson Discuss What Went Down in 2022 FA

[michaeltex]

I think by then it was too late.  Brunson was dead set on going to NY and Cuban was choking on the tax cost.  We effectively lost him in the prior offseason.  Agreed that I thought we were toast after that.  The turnaround has been stunning (helps to have a top 3 player).

I agree. Though the sentiment on this board that offseason was that Jalen wasn't worth the investment. DAL messed this up when they wrote the initial contract with JB that didn't allow for RFA status. But he was a 2nd round pick that didn't necessarily project to be an NBA star, so maybe they didn't want a contract burden if he didn't work out.

I also think the Jalen grew tired of living in Luka's shadow. We all saw JB shine against UTA when Luka was hurt in the last pre-season game, but play a smaller role through the rest of the WCF run against PHX and GSW. He, Brunson, wanted to be the lead dog on his own team and his dad and the Rose family carved a path.

Personally, I'm happy he's in a good situation, as a high talent player, he deserves it. I do wish we could have done a SnT with NYKs, but his reps were all about making it a win-lose situation.