The New York Knicks nearly sent out the contracts of Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel at the deadline to clear cap space to pursue Jalen Brunson in free agency.
League executives believe the Knicks would have to trade either the No. 11 pick or Immanuel Quickley in order to incentivize a team to take on log-term salary.
Brunson can sign a five-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks or a four-year deal with a rival team. The Knicks could offer Brunson a role as the starting point guard and lead ball-handler, which won’t happen with the Mavericks.
Brunson also has a connection to Leon Rose as his father, Rick Brunson, was a longtime client.
