During his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks, Jalen Brunson was seen as a supportive role player alongside superstar Luka Dončić, thriving as a complementary asset. However, Brunson had aspirations beyond playing in Dončić’s shadow, leading him to make the bold decision to join the New York Knicks as a free agent.
Looking back, joining the Knicks was a pivotal move for Brunson. He not only got the opportunity to work with his father, who is part of Tom Thibodeau’s coaching staff, but also became a prominent figure in New York, close to his hometown in New Jersey.
In recent years, Brunson’s career trajectory has soared from being a rising star with the Mavericks to a major presence in New York, where he has become a true superstar.
Brunson’s personal life has also seen a significant milestone with the birth of his daughter, Jordyn James Brunson, a moment he celebrated on Instagram. With his family expanding and the Knicks strengthening their roster with Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, Brunson’s prospects look promising, including the potential for an NBA championship in the near future.
Makhtar Ndiaye, the Knicks’ Director of International and Pro Scouting, has announced he’s leaving for the Dallas Mavericks.
Ndiaye, who was the first Senegalese player in the NBA and previously played for the Vancouver Grizzlies, has spent most of his career in Europe and as an NBA agent before joining the Knicks in 2017. He will now take on the role of Director of Pro Personnel and International with the Mavericks.
This move follows the departure of Bryant, who joined the Cleveland Cavaliers as associate head coach. The Knicks and Mavericks have a contentious history, including the trade of Kristaps Porzingis in 2019 and Brunson’s move to New York in 2022.
