In a recent discussion on FanDuel’s “Run It Back,” former NBA player Chandler Parsons expressed that the Dallas Mavericks’ decision not to sign Jalen Brunson to a $55 million contract extension was a more significant misstep than trading away Luka Dončić. Parsons emphasized that Brunson’s departure left a void in the Mavericks’ lineup, as he had been a crucial contributor to the team’s success.
The Mavericks had the opportunity to secure Brunson with a four-year, $55 million extension before he entered free agency. However, they hesitated, and Brunson subsequently signed with the New York Knicks, where he has since flourished. Parsons highlighted that retaining Brunson could have provided the Mavericks with a strong backcourt duo alongside Dončić, potentially altering the team’s trajectory.
This perspective adds to the ongoing debate about the Mavericks’ recent roster decisions, including the controversial trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. While the Dončić trade has garnered widespread criticism, Parsons’ comments shed light on the cumulative impact of multiple decisions on the franchise’s current standing.
