The Dallas Mavericks lost an integral part of their roster when Jalen Brunson decided to sign with the New York Knicks via free agency. The Mavs lost a major piece in their Luka Doncic-led backcourt, and they will need to somehow replace Brunson's production for the upcoming season.
In this respect, the Mavs have reportedly made a decision on the future of 6-foot-4 point guard Frank Ntilikina. The 23-year-old was the eighth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft (courtesy of the Knicks), and while he hasn't exactly been able to live up to the lofty expectations most folks have on lottery picks, the fact still remains that Dallas continues to see some value in this young man.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavs have decided to keep Ntilikina for the 2022-23 campaign:
Frank Ntilikina's $2 million contract for next season becomes guaranteed tomorrow and the Mavericks' intention, league sources say, is indeed to retain the former Knicks lottery pick.
Frank Ntilikina's $2 million contract for next season becomes guaranteed tomorrow and the Mavericks' intention, league sources say, is indeed to retain the former Knicks lottery pick.
More NBA from me: https://t.co/LGN9cVpeGP
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 3, 2022
As the above report states, Ntilikina is now entering the final season of his current deal. By fully guaranteeing his contract for the upcoming season, this only means that the French national will be able to pocket the entire $2.0 million he is owed for 2022-23. Barring any unforeseen developments, Ntilikina is now expected to be part of the Mavs roster this coming season.
Ntilikina played 58 games for Dallas last season, putting up averages of 4.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 11.8 minutes off the bench. He's clearly no star, but Brunson's departure could open up a few more minutes for him in 2022-23.
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