Dallas Mavericks point guard Jalen Brunson is someone that is looking to cash in as an unrestricted free agent this summer. Brunson was selected with the 33rd pick in the 2018 NBA Draft and has produced at a great clip for the Mavericks.
The Villanova product has averaged an efficient 11.1 points per game in his career, making 49.3 percent of his shots overall, 36.7 percent from the 3-point line and 77.6 percent from the foul line. He has added 3.7 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 23.4 minutes per game.
Brunson is currently in the midst of the best season of his career, and it could not have come at a better time as he will be a free agent this offseason. He should be able to land a lucrative deal, averaging 16 points, 5.6 assists, 3.8 rebounds and one steal per game.
He is a player that will certainly garner a lot of attention on the free agency market. The one thing working against him, however, is that there are going to be a limited number of teams with cap space this summer.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Celtics-Mavericks Trade Features Jalen Brunson To Boston
A sign-and-trade deal may be the only avenue for him to land the contract that he is hoping to receive. What is Jalen Brunson aiming for in free agency? According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Brunson is looking for $20 million annually.
Brunson faces a similar market, but the guard is believed by many to be seeking near a four-year, $80 million contract. That is a large number, especially for a player that several competing executives think is too big of a target defensively in the playoffs.
Standing only 6’1” with a 6’4” wingspan, Brunson is someone that could get targeted in a postseason series as Pincus shared. But, you know that you are going to get 100 percent effort from him on that side of the ball. He has some length to disrupt guards but is also strong enough to hold his own against bigger players.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Celtics-Mavericks Trade Features Jalen Brunson To Boston
While his size may limit his effectiveness on that end of the court slightly, you know that he will give it his all whenever he is on the court. Having a player with some limitations that at least tries on defense are something that teams can work with.
Jalen Brunson has shown that he can be a lead guard this season. He was excellent whenever Luka Doncic was sidelined and has shown that he can be an effective player playing alongside of him as well. That kind of versatility will only endear him to teams even more.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Celtics-Mavericks Trade Features Jalen Brunson To Boston
He comes from a winning program at Villanova and knows what it takes to win. Whoever ends up with him is going to be getting a great player and someone we likely haven’t even seen to the fullest of their potential, even if it means returning to the Dallas Mavericks.
