The 10 worst front office moves by the Dallas Mavericks since 2000

By Cal Durrett | Aug 21, 2023

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 19: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban looks on during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on October 19, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 107-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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Head coach Jason Kidd and Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Mavericks Worst Move #5: Letting Jalen Brunson leave

Back in 2020, Cuban and the Mavericks struck gold in the second round of the NBA Draft by selecting Jalen Brunson, 33rd overall. He quickly proved to be a steal and emerged as arguably the team’s second-best player behind Doncic.

However, when it came time to re-sign him, the Mavericks were unable to get a deal done, and he left to join the New York Knicks. Although Cuban can’t be blamed for a player choosing to leave in unrestricted free agency, he can be blamed for not offering him a competitive contract extension.

Brunson reportedly wanted a 4-year, $55 million extension but wasn’t offered nearly that much. Of course, had he been, he likely would have agreed to a new deal and could have helped the Mavericks make the playoffs in 2022–23. Instead, he signed a 4-year, $104 million deal with the Knicks and was a borderline all-star while helping lead his new team to their best season in a decade.

In Cuban’s defense, he was able to trade for star Kyrie Irving, and while they missed the playoffs, they did get the 10th pick in the draft and landed promising center Dereck Lively II. Both moves will take time to see how they pan out, but Cuban wouldn’t have had to make those moves had he just paid Brunson when he had the chance.