05-04-2024, 02:11 PM
(05-04-2024, 12:32 AM)omahen Wrote: Its all water under the bridge, but I just have to say it again, because I think statements about Brunson leaving because he didn't want to be "seccond fiddle" are just wrong. I think this was reported to be wrong and he said it himself on numerous occassions.
Brunson left because he was not respected by Dallas. He was happy in Dallas. Dallas didn't believe he is worth throwing big money at because they didn't believe Luka and him can be a contending backcourt duo. They always saw just a trade chip. That is why Mavs didn't offer him a contract extension when there was time for it, they were not aggresive offering him a contract after the season ended. They never even made an offer, just waiting for an opportunity to match NY offer. Even I could easily calculate what was the salary cap limit the Knicks could offer him, such a stupid excuse they made. Mavs didn't have any limitations to discuss with their own free agent and throw offers at him, try to convince him to stay. They chose not to! I think it is pretty logical that Brunson at the end chose where he wants to play instead of waiting to be traded to wherever.
We will never really know what Brunson's true thoughts were on this, but there is one way we could have known. If he really didn't want to be second fiddle he could have turned down the max extension the prior year. But we never offered it! That was the true failure on the FO part. What a terrible offseason that was. Our last chance with actual cap space and we decide to run it back with Timmy at 18 and leave Brunson hanging.
Its interesting to think about how many teams refused Brunson in a trade down in that draft when Mavs were trying to get Haliburton. So many teams would have been so much better off either taking the trade or taking Haliburton (including NY).
Regardless I think Brunson is better off where he is now. I don't think there is much chance folks are talking about him as potential top 10 player in NBA if he is still on Mavs. Not sure how things would have played out if that Mitchell trade happens. In my more bitter moments I kind of wish that had happened.