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There is no doubt that Jalen Brunson has been playing very well for the New York Knicks and that people associated with the Dallas Mavericks, both players and fans, are disappointed he left a couple of seasons ago.
But who is to blame for Brunson’s departure from the Mavericks?
On ESPN, Stephen A. Smith questioned why people haven’t held Luka Doncic accountable for letting Brunson leave.
He also asked why more fans haven’t pressed the Mavericks organization about losing Brunson.
Mavericks reporter Brad Townsend took to Twitter to say he found Smith’s questions “patently ridiculous on multiple levels.”
“You don’t think Doncic made it clear he wanted Brunson to stay?” Townsend asked before further wondering why the star Mavericks player should be accountable for Brunson leaving.
He also wondered where Smith has been for the last two years, as many people have questioned the Mavericks about letting Brunson pack up and head to the Knicks.
Patently ridiculous on multiple levels. 1. You don’t think Doncic made it clear he wanted Brunson to stay? 2. He’s accountable for Brunson leaving? 3. You haven’t heard anyone bring this up before, that Dallas should have paid more and kept Brunson? Where you been for 2 years? https://t.co/zRcq2GEXUl
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) January 30, 2024
When Brunson signed a new deal with the Knicks instead of the Mavericks, many people knew that it could cost Dallas in the long run.
Brunson was a noteworthy up-and-comer in Dallas, scoring 11.9 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game during his four seasons with the Mavericks.
But he was always second fiddle to Doncic and the Knicks gave him a chance to move beyond second-in-command.
He has flourished with the Knicks and has averaged 25.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
Reports at the time said the organization was disappointed to see Brunson go but just wasn’t willing or able to offer him the sort of contract he desired.
This is something that has been addressed repeatedly since Brunson headed to New York and it’s seen as a mistake by the Mavericks.
As to Doncic’s part in all of it, this was a front-office decision that has been criticized repeatedly, even if Smith hasn’t noticed.
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