Nov 30, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after a basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Knicks got away with a likely All-Star player, and it only cost them one of their 11 second-round picks over the next seven years.
The NBA rescinded New York’s 2025 second-round pick after they were found guilty of tampering over Jalen Brunson’s free-agent signing.
“This outcome reflected a finding, following an investigation, that the Knicks engaged in free agent discussions involving Jalen Brunson prior to the date when such discussions were permitted.”
NBA statement on Knicks’ tampering violation
The investigation was triggered by the timing of the announcement of Brunson’s signing.
NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic reported Brunson’s intention to sign with the Knicks at 5:02 p.m. on June 30, raising suspicion of a handshake deal.
Two hours later and an hour after the NBA Free agency started, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski contradicted Charania’s report and said that Brunson received a five-year $106 million offer from his former team, Dallas Mavericks.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban confirmed to two Knicks beat reporters at the NBA Summer League that they never had a chance to outbid New York.
It also did not help that the team hired Jalen’s father, Rick Brunson, one month before free agency.
The Knicks fully cooperated with the investigation, according to the league.
The price was all worth it, as Brunson is spearheading New York’s rise in the Eastern Conference on the crest of an eight-game winning streak. They are currently sitting at sixth seed in the East with an 18-13 record entering Tuesday’s matchup against the struggling Toronto Raptors.
Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo
This post was published on 2022-12-21 15:42
