2020-2021 ROSTER TALK: Archived

[SleepingHero]

I’ve seen it mentioned a few times...Why is it that Brunson won’t be a restricted free agent or the Mavs won’t have a lot of control over his free agency in terms of rights?

Since Brunson was a 2nd round pick, he doesn't follow the rookie scale rules that first round picks follow.

First round picks whose final year option was picked up, is automatically a restricted free agent at the end of their rookie deal. 2nd round picks, since they don't follow rookie scale rules, can be treated essentially after they are drafted as "rookie free agents". They can be signed with cap space, MLE provision, or on a minimum deal, 2-way's, etc.

In order for 2nd round picks to qualify as restricted, they have to enter free agency having been a veteran for 3 or fewer seasons. Since Brunson signed a 4 year deal, this means he cannot qualify as a RFA and will enter unrestricted FA at the end of his deal. Brunsons contract is unguaranteed for the final year, but I'm pretty sure if the Mavs waive that, they also waive his rights.