Knicks' Jalen Brunson Had Hopes To Play For Mavs For A Long Haul

In his first interview since leaving the Mavericks for the New York Knicks in free agency last year, Jalen Brunson revealed he still has affection for his old club and had originally intended to remain in Dallas for a considerable amount of time.

Despite choosing to leave D-Town for the Big Apple for almost nothing in July, the 26-year-old guard had nothing but positive things to say about the basketball team that offered him the opportunity to succeed in the NBA.

Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Had Hopes To Play For Mavs For A Long Haul

At the start of last season, Brunson, who was in the final year of a four-year contract with the Mavericks, unexpectedly became the team’s backup scorer to franchise player Luka Doncic as the Mavericks advanced to the Western Conference Finals.

The Dallas Mavericks w/Jalen Brunson last season vs this season:

Last Season:
— 4th Seed in the West
— Took down the #1 seed
— Western Conference Finalists

This Season:
— 11th Seed in the West
— Currently out of the Play-In
— Top 11 Pick Projected pic.twitter.com/ITtFpD3iam

— BrunsonMuse (@BrunsonMuse) March 25, 2023

Midway through his breakout season, discussions allegedly fell down on a four-year, $55.5 million deal with Dallas. As a result, the former Villanova Wildcats star was reportedly able to sign with another team before the process dragged on.

‘I wanted that role of being with the Mavericks for the long haul of my career. I truly loved that place,’ Brunson told Haynes. ‘I can’t say anything bad about Dallas, but obviously I wish things would’ve happened differently.’

Jalen Brunson on his time in Dallas:

“My vet at the time, J.J. Barea, he taught me so much and he was there for such a long time. I wanted that role of being with the Mavericks for the long haul of my career. I truly loved that place.” pic.twitter.com/IHTPZLHAPh

— MavsMuse (@MavsMuse) March 24, 2023

‘There were two times that I thought we had offers on the table before the season, and then around, I think December or January, they looked the other way,’ Brunson recalled, adding that Mavericks execs ‘had every right in the world to do so. I don’t blame them for making any business decisions. That’s on them.’

The two-time NCAA champion didn’t seem to hold any grudges.

Jalen Brunson on leaving Dallas in free agency:

"There were two times that I thought we had offers on the table before the season, and then around, I think December or January, they looked the other way… I don't blame them for making any business decisions. That's on them." pic.twitter.com/pEifRkfV8e

— MavsMuse (@MavsMuse) March 24, 2023

‘At the same time, I respect them,’ Brunson said. ‘They brought me into this league and jump-started my career. Business is business. My four years in Dallas were special. When I first got drafted there, I had that mindset of seeing myself being there for a very long time.’

Brunson eventually ended up signing with the Knicks on a four-year, $104 million deal. He’s proven to be a crucial addition to New York’s backcourt, averaging a career-high in both points per game (23.8) and assists (6.2) this season.