Jalen Brunson had such a good 2021-2022 season for the Dallas Mavericks, he played himself right out of Dallas. And now, it looks like he is headed for the Big Apple. The New York Knicks just traded Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks as well as 2 future second round picks to the Detroit Pistons in order to have enough Cap Space to sign Jalen Brunson to a HUGE contract. The Knicks are prepared to give Brunson the keys to the franchise as the Point Guard of the future. In the first round of the 2022 playoffs Brunson proved he could be the best player on a team who wins a playoff series, as Luka Doncic was out with strained calf, Brunson carried the Mavs for the majority of the series against the Utah Jazz.
Now Brunson heads to New York for a potential starting 5 of: Brunson, Fournier, Barrett, Randle, and Mitchell Robinson. This will take the playmaking responsibility out of the hands of Randle and Barrett and put them back in rolls where they are more familiar being scoring threats and looking to score when the ball is in their hands rather than facilitate.
Does this move make the Knicks a playoff team? Probably not to be honest. But, I can definitely see them qualifying for a play in game. The East is only gotten stronger this offseason, and Detroit and Orlando are also looking to make pushes towards the playoffs this season, as well as last seasons play in teams Cleveland, and Charlotte.
What does this move mean for Detroit? Yesterday the Piston’s cut Luka Garza, Frank Jackson, and Carson Edwards. Now we know that was likely to make room to bring in Noel and Burks. This move helps solidify the bench of a young and upcoming squad, and Noel and Burks are improvements from then latter.
Who is more likely to make the playoffs next season Detroit or New York? This is a tough question because I already stated I don’t see Knicks making playoffs, so I would have to go with Detroit. But, this largely depends upon Jaden Ivey and the type of player he turns out to be. Because Cade Cunningham is solid, and Detroit does have solid bench, so if Ivey can be the missing piece, the Pistons may sneak into the playoffs this season.
