The New York Knicks stole Jalen Brunson with NCAA recruitment tactics

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 12: Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates his three point shot in the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 12, 2022 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)

When you think of the New York Knicks shedding cap space to sign a free agent, the first thought is – that sounds typical. But when you hear that the team passed on quality picks in this year’s draft while shipping away bodies in order to acquire Jalen Brunson, the concept seems a bit off.

These types of moves the Knicks are making are usually reserved for when they splurge on the likes of stars and pseudo stars. Not necessarily to throw max money at a player who had one breakout playoff run, but is not looked at as part of the NBA’s top tier.

Yet, that is not the most unconventional thing about New York’s pursuit of Brunson. Neither is the fact that they are allegedly willing to overpay at a price of $110 million over four years. What is weird is the way they framed their chase.

New York Knicks are treating free agency like college recruitment

Whether it is AAU basketball, the NCAA, or the NBA, relationships can become the focal point of many decisions. This is why every few seasons you hear of an AAU coach or AAU dad mysteriously falling into the role of NCAA assistant coach, only for his star or offspring to enroll a year after. There is no knock to the hustle because it can pay off for all parties involved.

Now, in the NBA, it is not uncommon to see assistants, general managers or trainers hired who have ties to free agents. People may even see a friend or family member tossed an ancillary role within the team. However, hiring a free agent’s father the summer his contract expires gives college vibes.

And those are the exact feelings the Knicks are giving.

Not only was Brunson’s former agent, Leon Rose, already in place as New York’s President, but the team hired his father, Rick Brunson, to come on as assistant coach – cloaked under the guise of being Tom Thibodeau’s former assistant in Chicago and Minnesota.

The Knicks are displaying NCAA recruiting tactics that should keep Brunson from returning to the Dallas Mavericks or taking the Miami Heat seriously. But all for a player whose price tag will likely never equate to star power and extreme productivity? Gear up for more angry nights in New York if he is the only addition in the Garden.