Looking back, the Dallas Mavericks decision not to extend Jalen Brunson earlier may go down as one of the most costly mistakes in recent franchise history.ESPN has shed light on why Dallas hesitated to lock up Brunson before the 2021-22 season, and it appears concerns about his fit alongside Luka Doncic played a significant role.The Mavericks were worried about how the Brunson-Doncic backcourt would hold up defensively.Those concerns dated back to Dallas first-round playoff loss against the Los Angeles Clippers in 2020, when opposing teams repeatedly targeted both guards on defense.As Brunson continued to develop, rival teams reportedly began contacting Dallas regularly to gauge his availability in trade discussions.Despite his progress, the Mavericks chose not to offer an extension immediately, preferring to evaluate whether their core could realistically contend for a championship before committing long-term money.That gamble quickly backfired.By the time Dallas was ready to make an offer, Brunson had become far more valuable. He had established himself as a starter next to Doncic and elevated his game during the 2022 playoffs, averaging 27.8 points in Dallas first-round victory over the Utah Jazz while Doncic dealt with injury issues.Following the trade deadline that season, Dallas offered Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith matching contract extensions. Finney-Smith accepted. The former did not.What the Mavericks failed to fully appreciate was just how strong Brunsons connection to the New York Knicks organization had become.I think Jalen had a loyalty to the Mavs because theyd drafted him, but the Knicks were his actual family, a Mavericks source told ESPN. I dont think we fully grasped that.Related Article: Victor Wembanyama 'Not Worried in Slightest' After Spurs G1 LossThe relationship ran deeper than basketball. Knicks president Leon Rose previously represented both Jalen Brunson and his father Rick Brunson as an agent. Shortly before free agency opened in 2022, Rick Brunson also joined New Yorks coaching staff as an assistant.He ultimately signed a four-year, $105 million contract with the Knicks and has since developed into one of the leagues premier guards.READ MORE: NBA Hands Out Lifetime Bans After Courtside Selfie Stunt
