The New York Knicks' intentions with Jalen Brunson were clear as soon as the 2021-2022 season came to an end. There were a significant number of reports that the Knicks were gearing up to offer the guard a substantial contract. However, New York is now under fire for reported tampering, per NBC Sports.
The Dallas Mavericks are upset because they felt as if the Knicks tampered with Brunson during his time with the Mavs. The Knicks did hire Jalen Brunson's father as an assistant coach. This captured the Mavs' attention and has them wondering if the Knicks went about their Brunson pursuit in an upright manner.
The Athletics' Fred Katz explained the situation.
“From what I’ve gathered, the Mavericks are quite frustrated with the Knicks — and not just because reports of a finished deal came out before New York was even allowed to speak with Brunson (though I am not sure how tampering rules account for father-son relationships, and this situation involves two of those). Dallas wasn’t thrilled about Knicks executive William “World Wide Wes” Wesley showing up courtside to a Mavs-Jazz playoff game, either. people I talk to around the league expect the Knicks to get dinged for tampering.”
An investigation will determine the extent of the Knicks' alleged tampering. The punishment would be worse if New York reached out to Brunson during the season. However, they could still face something if they were in contact prior to free agency.
The NBC sports article also made an interesting point. There were a number of deals that were announced minutes after NBA free agency began… so who's to say tampering wasn't involved in those deals as well?
Follow Us
Subscribe