(02-13-2021, 08:16 PM)Scott41theMavs Wrote: Re: Dan and Brunson: I think that Brunson has more of a future here than JRich if the Mavs give it to him. The thing is, it looks pretty bad - and makes the team worse in the short run - if we let JRich walk to have room to sign Brunson, and if we trade JRich for a non-expirer, then that guy's salary prevents us from signing Brunson.
Dallas has Brunson under contract for one more year, and they also have full Bird rights. So they'll be able to pay him the max if they want regardless of cap space. The only issue is that he'll be an unrestricted FA in 2022 and can sign wherever he pleases. And it's very possible that he'll (rightfully) feel like he deserves to be a starter somewhere.
That said, having talented young players who would be highly desirable on the open market is a good problem to have. Dallas and Brunson just need to mutually figure out the best path forward.