BRUNSON BURNER: to NYK for 4yrs/$104M (no SnT) | NYK docked 2025 2nd for tampering

[Chicagojk]

"I think that's a question I'll dive into later later this season in an article dedicated to that. I think your assessment is a little bleak, but Hardaway does seem like the odd man out, and that has to be addressed an any analysis whether Brunson is a long-term fit, because you can't build a stable defense with those three in closing lineups — even assuming that a fully fit Doncic can be average or even slightly above on that end as time goes on."

Cato commenting on his Brunson article and a reader post.

I would keep Brunson 10/10 times over Hardaway if that is the true choice.  Disappointed in how Tim is responding to his new contract this year but maybe he will get it turned around.  I have no idea if Tim could even be traded for fair value right now.  I guess it depends on your definition of fair.

Brunson is the most critical decision for Nico imo.  I will be almost Nash level disgusted if they don't keep him or at least get good compensation, if he does decide to leave.

I saw that question and answer too.  I agree, Hardaway does seem like an odd man out.  Although I would like to see him play more closer to his play of last year before making a final decision.    Regardless, it is tough to think there is enough room if Bullock, THJ, Brunson, DFS and Maxi are all making 10 million plus.   I always envisioned him as a Jordan Clarkston type.  I want him to be aggressive looking for his shot, but so far it really hasn't really clicked.   I grew concerned this offseason when Kidd made mention of him being an all star if he improved in certain aspects.  I believe than as I do now that it was a miscalculation of his skills.   

https://twitter.com/iztok_franko/status/...5969087488

Regarding Jalen, I always viewed that Cuban, Harlabob, and analytics guys always undervalued what they have in him.  I may be wrong, but just the feeling I have always gotten going back to his rookie year.    He isn't the perfect player, but I think there are small things he does that analytics don't always catch.  Yes, he was not good in the playoffs.  But look at his minutes in those series.   Would he have found a way if he was given 25 minutes a night?  Who knows.   The last 4 games of that series he got very limited minutes.   Now you can always argue the chicken or the egg question and that is legit response.  

My big question is if the Mavs were aggressive this offseason to sign him?  If not, that was a mistake.    Maybe he was always going to bet on himself and wait until free agency.    But a four year contract with a player option, could have been life changing money for him and allowed him another payday in the future.    He has not made a lot of money so far in his career.  There is not guarantee if he gets hurt that $ will be there for him.   I am really curious if there was ever any discussions with him and his agent this summer.