Mark Cuban Says Knicks Should've Had 'Far Worse' Punishment for Jalen Brunson Contract

Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban has gotten over losing star point guard Jalen Brunson to the New York Knicks in free agency in 2022, but he's still not happy with the NBA's handling of the situation.

The league penalized the Knicks for engaging in conversations with Brunson before the free agency window opened by docking their 2025 second-round draft pick. During an appearance on Pablo Torre Finds Out (1:32:19 mark), Cuban was asked if he feels they circumvented the salary cap with their contract offer to Brunson, and he answered vaguely.

"I don't know, I just think there was a lot at play there," Cuban said.

Torre pushed further, asking, "Do you think the Knicks at the end here should be worried about an upcoming episode of 'Mark Cuban Finds Out'?"

"That's behind me, we're proud of JB, we're proud of everything," Cuban responded. "Was I happy that they only got dinged for a second-round pick? No. No, it should've been far worse. But, it is what it is."

The Knicks had hired Rick Brunson as an assistant coach a month before signing the floor general to a four-year, $104 million contract. Brunson was later rewarded with a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension through the 2028–29 season.

The Mavs have experienced some ups and downs since losing Brunson, making an NBA Finals appearance in 2024 but falling short of the playoffs last season after shockingly trading star guard Luka Doncic.

Things are looking up in Dallas following the arrival of 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, so perhaps Cuban will finally be able to let the situation with Brunson go as he focuses on the upcoming season for the Mavs.