The NBA opens investigation into Knicks potentially tampering with Jalen Brunson / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AP - Scanpix Credit AP - Scanpix

About a month ago,Jalen Brunson's signing to theNew York Knicks, on a four-year, $104 million contract, brought accusations of tampering from the part of the Dallas Mavericks, the guard's former team.

Now, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, the NBA has opened an investigation into possible tampering committed by the Knicks. Leaks of a finalized deal surfaced even before New York were officially allowed to speak with the player, who already had important connections with the franchise.

In addition to recruiting his father, Rick, as an assistant, Brunson's agent Sam Rose, is none other than the son of the president of the franchise, Leon Rose. Also, during the opening of the playoffs in mid-April, several Knicks front office members (executive VP William Wesley, special assistant to the GM Allan Houston, as well as the team's forward-center Julius Randle), had attended the opening of the series between Mavs and Jazz. The Mavs would not have appreciated this visit.

The Mavericks had a number of opportunities to sign Brunson to a four-year, $55 million extension, but declined until after the trade deadline when it became clear he would receive more lucrative offers on the open market.

Brunson was one of the key figures in the 2022 NBA Playoffs. The guard averaged 21.6 points with notable 41- and 31-point performances in first-round victories over theUtah Jazzwhile Doncic was sidelined by a strained calf.

During the regular season, Brunson averaged 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.8 assists.

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