The New York Knicks and their fans were greatly disappointed this past summer when the team failed to land All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, even though he had been incessantly linked to the team.
New York was able to give itself something of a consolation prize by signing Jalen Brunson, a guard who broke out for the Dallas Mavericks last season, especially in the playoffs.
For a while, it seemed like a foregone conclusion he would re-up to remain by Luka Doncic‘s side, but as free agency neared, there was chatter that he was headed to Manhattan.
Apparently, that chatter must’ve tipped some people off, as the NBA launched an investigation into the signing, and according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, that investigation is still ongoing.
The NBA's investigation into early contact on the Knicks' signing of free agent Jalen Brunson remains ongoing, per sources.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 31, 2022
An Ongoing Investigation
For years, many have suspected that multiple teams have violated the league’s anti-tampering rules, and it seems to be cracking down on violations of such laws.
It just levied a penalty on the Philadelphia 76ers for illegally communicating with P.J. Tucker and Danuel House prior to the start of free agency on June 30, and the team lost two second-round draft picks as a result.
The Knicks are 3-3 and coming off back-to-back losses to the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers, two teams that are considered by most to be contenders.
Brunson seems to be living up to the four-year, $104-million contract they gave him, as he’s averaging 18.2 points and 7.2 assists per game so far this year.
His highlight so far was a 27-point, 13-assist explosion versus the Charlotte Hornets last Wednesday.
Jalen Brunson is worth every penny. pic.twitter.com/6NgEvw1GY2
— Hilltop Hoops (@HilltopNBA) October 27, 2022
If the Knicks are to make the playoffs for only the second time in the last 10 seasons, Brunson will be a huge reason why.
NEXT: The Knicks Are Trying To Build Upon A Promising Start