NEW YORK — The NBA on Wednesday announced a penalty against the New York Knicks for violating league rules during the free agency signing of former Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson.
According to the league, the Knicks engaged in free agency discussions with Brunson prior to the allowed date and time. Teams were not allowed to make contact with free agents before 5 p.m. CT on June 30.
As a result, the NBA said it has rescinded the Knicks' 2025 second-round draft pick.
The investigation into tampering reportedly began about a month after free agency began on June 30. Brunson bolted from the Mavs and signed with New York on a four-year, $104 million deal.
As the 2022-2023 season has progressed, the Mavs (15-16) have continued to face scrutiny over losing Brunson in free agency, as Dallas is missing a second ball-handler and scorer to complement Luka Doncic.
The New Jersey native is currently averaging 20.8 points and 6.2 assists as a starter with the Knicks (18-13).
However, when the free agency period began over the summer, the Mavs weren't able to even get a meeting with Brunson before he decided to go with New York.
Dallas could have offered the 26-year-old guard up to a five-year, $175 million contract due to "Bird Rights."