• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Mavericks Might Have to Give a $20M Raise to Jalen Brunson

  • The 25-year-old playmaking guard will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
  • He’s averaging 32.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in two postseason games.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

After rejecting the Mavericks’ four-year, $56 million extension offer, Jalen Brunson decided to bet on himself for the final season of his rookie deal.

On Monday, with Luka Doncic sidelined and Dallas in danger of dropping its first two at home to the Jazz in their first-round series, Brunson dropped a career-high 41 points with eight rebounds and five assists in a 110-104 victory. 

That’s the type of calling card the former second-rounder will need when he hits unrestricted free agency this summer.

  • Brunson is earning $1.8M in the final year of a four-year, $6.1M contract signed after he won two national championships at Villanova.
  • He is reportedly seeking a four-year, $80 million deal.
  • Brunson averaged career highs in points (16.3), rebounds (3.9), and assists (4.8) in the regular season.
  • He’s averaging 32.5, 7.5, and 5.0 in two postseason games.

While the Knicks have reportedly been interested in acquiring the guard, Mavs owner Mark Cuban told DallasBasketball.com that “we will do all we can to keep (Brunson)…”

The first player in Mavericks history with 40-plus points and no turnovers in a postseason game will try to back it up Thursday in Game 3.

With 61 starts this season, heavy minutes — with or without Luka — aren’t new for Brunson. But his importance is amplified in the superstar’s continued absence.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

WNBA

Portland WNBA Team Will Be Fire, Bigger Choices Loom

The WNBA’s 15th franchise is bringing back the Fire.
NBC Sports
exclusive

NBC Hiring Ex-Hawks Exec Grant Liffmann As NBA Front Office Insider

Liffmann spent the last three years with Atlanta after covering the Warriors.
Aliyah Boston

Aliyah Boston Is Latest WNBA Player to Invest in NWSL Team

Boston joins a select group that includes Sabrina Ionescu.

Featured Today

May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.

Raleigh Dumps Competition in HR Derby to Win $1M Prize

“Big Dumper” barely gets into the semifinals before ultimately winning the competition.
Phillies
July 14, 2025

Replacements Have MLB at Whopping 80 All-Stars

Players have criticized the replacement process as a popularity contest. 
exclusive
July 14, 2025

Cal Raleigh’s $11M Season a Steal As He Slugs His Way Into..

The Mariners star considers himself an everyday guy, while his play isn’t.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Boxing: Taylor vs Serrano 3
July 12, 2025

Katie Taylor’s Sweep Produces Largest Women’s Boxing Gate Ever

Taylor–Serrano III brought in record cash.
July 12, 2025

Misiorowski’s Path From Anonymous to MLB All-Star In 5 Games

The Brewers flamethrower has just five games of major-league experience.
NFL
July 11, 2025

30 NFL Second-Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

Saturday is the earliest rookie report date for training camp.
July 11, 2025

Najee Harris Contract Situation Unclear Following Fireworks Injury

The running back signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March.