Jalen Brunson is becoming a star right in front of our eyes. The Dallas Mavericks guard is lighting up the NBA Playoffs, overshadowing the fact his squad was without Luka Doncic for the first three games of the opening round against the Utah Jazz. But, the Mavs weren't always convinced Brunson was the right co-star for Luka.
In fact, prior to the 2020 NBA Draft, Dallas offered a Brunson package to the New York Knicks in order to select playmaker Tyrese Haliburton, who ultimately went 12th overall.
RICK BRUNSON HAS no concerns about his son's free agency affecting his relationship with Rose, who passed on an opportunity to acquire Jalen Brunson a couple of offseasons ago. The Mavs coveted guard Tyrese Haliburton in that draft and aggressively tried to trade up for him, offering a package of Brunson and the 18th and 31st overall picks, league sources told ESPN.
Dallas couldn't find a taker before the Sacramento Kings used the No. 12 pick to select Haliburton — now playing for Carlisle after the Indiana Pacers acquired him in the Domantas Sabonis deal at the trade deadline — with the Knicks staying put and taking forward Obi Toppin with the eighth pick.
Interesting, to say the least. The Knicks have actually been a rumored landing spot for the Mavs guard, along with the Detroit Pistons. Brunson is certainly in for a hefty payday, with many league executives believing he could get around $20 million per season this summer. The ex-Villanova standout is averaging nearly 30 points per game in four postseason appearances thus far.
Haliburton in a Mavs jersey? It could've worked out. But, Dallas is certainly happy to still have Jalen Brunson at the moment.
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