Jalen Brunson is coming off of a breakout campaign, making him a high-end target for many teams in free agency. The Dallas Mavericks guard is a dynamic scorer, which he showcased throughout the Mavs playoff run.
The 25-year-old guard averaged 21.6 points per game while shooting 46.6 percent from the field and 34.7 percent from three. Brunson proved to be an excellent secondary scorer behind Luka Doncic and is expected to draw interest from teams in the point guard market.
Brunson is great at creating his own shot but can also play off the ball. He is also a solid playmaker and can operate the offense. Brunson will make a significant impact for whatever team is able to sign him in free agency.
With that said, here are the two best destinations for Mavs' Jalen Brunson in 2022 NBA free agency.
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Mavs PG Jalen Brunson's Best Free Agency Destinations
2. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks are in heavy pursuit of Brunson in free agency. They are making all of their moves this offseason in hopes of acquiring the budding star. New York is frantically trying to shed salaries so they can offer Brunson a four-year deal between $100-110 million.
The Knicks desperately need to add a starting quality point guard, and Brunson would be a great player to add to their core. While New York regressed from a playoff team in 2021 to not even making the Play-In tournament, there are benefits for Brunson to land there.
For one, they view him highly enough to make moves to open space to possibly break the bank by signing him. Also, he would get to play in one of the biggest markets in sports and at the legendary Madison Square Garden.
While the Knicks haven't won a championship since 1973, they are still one of the most known franchises in sports.
Brunson's father, Rick, a former player, was also hired by New York to be an assistant coach. The Knicks would be a fantastic landing spot for Brunson, and he could continue to grow into a star under the bright lights.
1. Dallas Mavericks
While the Knicks are an ideal situation, it makes the most sense for Brunson to re-sign with the Mavs. Brunson was an instrumental part of Dallas reaching the Conference Finals alongside Doncic.
Staying with the Mavericks gives Brunson a better chance of winning a championship. Doncic is one of the best players in the league and is only getting better each season. Dallas has shown they are committed to winning by making a move for Christian Wood. Staying with the team would allow Brunson to thrive in his role in the pursuit of a ring.
When the Mavs were eliminated, owner Mark Cuban said, “We can pay him more than anybody. … I think he wants to stay, and that's most important.”
A comment like this from the owner is very promising for Mavs fans. It's evident that Dallas wants to keep the young star, and they could build something special. The Western Conference is filled with talented teams on the rise, but the Mavericks have the potential to be the best of them all. Doncic is an other-worldly talent, and he has the potential to be one of the greatest ever. Dallas can build something unique with the right guys around him, like Brunson.
Although going to a big market team like the Knicks is enticing, staying with the Mavs is the best option available for Brunson.
Brunson has an important decision to make as he gets his first taste of free agency. The Knicks, Mavs, and any other teams in the mix will be anxiously waiting for the decision he makes.
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