Knicks, Mavs Trade Talks for Jalen Brunson Collapse in 2022 Over Draft Pick Demands

The New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks came dangerously close to a blockbuster trade for Jalen Brunson in February 2022, but talks collapsed when New York refused to include first-round draft picks in any deal. Sources familiar with the negotiations told The Athletic that Dallas was willing to explore multiple trade scenarios, including packages centered around young Knicks guards Immanuel Quickley and Quentin Grimes. However, the Mavericks insisted on retaining the first-round picks New York had received in the 2019 Kristaps Porzingis trade.

At the time, Dallas had already declined to offer Brunson a four-year, $55 million extension and saw the Knicks as their main competition for the guard. With Brunson set to hit free agency in the summer, the Mavs believed New York would have to trade away assets to create cap space anyway. They saw an opportunity to secure Brunson before he could test the open market.

New York, led by president Leon Rose and salary cap wizard Brock Aller, remained firm in its stance. Aller, described by former Cavs executive David Griffin as a "diabolical genius," built his reputation on protecting draft capital. The Knicks' front office would not budge, and despite continued talks through the trade deadline, no deal materialized.

Four months later, Aller executed a series of strategic moves on 2022 draft night to clear enough cap space to sign Brunson as a free agent. Dallas received nothing in return, but Brunson helped the Mavs reach the Western Conference Finals. He was especially impactful in the first-round series against the Utah Jazz when Luka Doncic was sidelined by injury.

Brunson joined a Knicks team where his father, Rick Brunson, served as an assistant coach and where he had strong ties to president Leon Rose and head coach Tom Thibodeau. Since signing with New York, Brunson has become a three-time All-NBA selection and helped lead the Knicks to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.

By preserving their first-round picks, the Knicks later used them to acquire Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns. They also landed OG Anunoby without surrendering a first-round pick, sending out RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.

The Knicks continue their playoff run with Brunson as a key piece. They face the Miami Heat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals on June 12.