"His dad is really running the show" - Mark Cuban blames Jalen Brunson's father for losing out on $104 million star to Knicks

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is blaming Jalen Brunson's father for losing the dynamic guard to the New York Knicks in free agency. Rick Brunson was hired by the Knicks as an assistant coach a month before his son signed a $104 million contract.

In an interview with Tim Cato of The Athletic, Cuban discussed losing the Villanova product in the offseason. The billionaire revealed that things changed when Jalen's agent at CAA, Aaron Mintz, told him to negotiate with Rick.

"We didn't know what number to bid for," Cuban said. "The guy did not want to stay. His dad did not want him to stay. ... Aaron was telling me, 'I'm not in charge. His dad is really running the show.'"

Mark Cuban and the Mavericks had all the time in the world to sign Jalen Brunson to a four-year, $56 million extension before the 2021-22 season. They could have also offered him the same deal in the middle of last season.

Brunson was a pivotal part of the Mavericks' run to the Western Conference finals. He averaged 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists for the Mavericks last season. He was even better in the postseason, averaging 21.6 ppg, 4.6 rbg and 3.7 apg in 18 games.

While the New York Knicks were successful in luring Brunson with a four-year, $104 million contract, the NBA investigated them for tampering. They were found guilty and were stripped of their 2025 second-round pick.

Nevertheless, it has been a masterstroke move for the Knicks. Brunson is having a career season in his first year in New York, averaging 24.0 ppg, 3.5 rbg and 6.2 apg.

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Luka Doncic misses playing with Jalen Brunson

Jalen Brunson and Luka Doncic (right)

Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson led the Dallas Mavericks to their best postseason run since 2011 last year. Doncic and Brunson helped the Mavericks reach the Western Conference finals before losing to the Golden State Warriors in five games.

It has been a rough season for the Mavericks, and they might not even reach the play-in tournament. Kyrie Irving's acquisition has failed, and it seems like Doncic prefers to have Brunson on his side.

ESPN's Tim McMahon asked Doncic how much he misses his former teammate. He replied:

"A lot. I mean, amazing guy, amazing player, for sure."

The Mavericks are 8-16 since trading for Irving at the trade deadline. It has been a tough stretch for Dallas, and they could miss the postseason a year after making the Western Conference finals. The Mavs are 0.5 games behind the OKC Thunder for the tenth and final play-in tournament spot with three games to go.

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