NBA rumors: Jalen Brunson is now expected to sign with the Knicks; PJ Tucker could join the Sixers

With the NBA Finals and the 2022 NBA Draft now in the books, the next big item on the league’s schedule is free agency. And while it doesn’t technically start until 6 pm ET on June 30, it’s clear the teams are already spinning. Here’s a look at some of the latest bits of information.

Brunson is now expected to sign with the Knicks.

Jalen Brunson was one of the breakout stars of the playoffs, helping the Dallas Mavericks reach the Western Conference finals for the first time since 2011. Also, when Luka Doncic was sidelined early in the first round, He showed that he can be more than a complementary player.

As a result, he’s poised to earn a big payday this summer, especially with the Mavericks and New York Knicks entering a bidding war for his services. Shortly after the Mavericks were eliminated, all signs pointed to Brunson returning to Dallas. Now, however, the winds have changed.

Marc Stein reported on Tuesday that there is a “growing resignation” in the Mavericks organization of Brunson signing with the Knicks. Later that day, the Knicks solidified their chances of landing Brunson. when they traded Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel to the Detroit Pistons, and cleared even more cap space in the process. Brunson is expected to be offered a deal worth $110 million over four years. by Chris Hayes.

Tucker is likely to join the Sixers

It looks like PJ Tucker’s tour of Eastern Conference contenders will continue next season. After winning the title with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021 and reaching the Eastern Conference finals with the Miami Heat in 2022, Tucker is expected to join the Philadelphia 76ers.

While it’s not surprising to see Tucker cling to another contender, it’s a bit surprising to see him get a long-term deal worth $30 million over three years. according to Keith Pompey. While he can still defend at a high level and shot a career-high 41.5 percent from 3-point range last season, he will turn 40 in the final year of that contract. If he can stay healthy, he’ll help the Sixers, but that’s no guarantee with a player in his late 30s who plays as physically as Tucker.

Zubac charging

Ivica Zubac is one of the most underrated big men in the league and often slips under the radar on a Los Angeles Clippers team with so many big names. However, the team is well aware of his importance and moved quickly this summer to keep him for the long haul.

Zubac had only one year left on his contract, which was a team option. Instead of exercising it, the Clippers signed Zubac to a new contract worth $33 million over three years. by Adrian Wojnarowski. Zubac averaged 10.3 points and 8.5 rebounds last season, which were the best of his career, and he shot 62.6 percent from the field. He’s supposed to play a big role next season as the Clippers hope to get back into the ranks of title contenders with a healthy Kawhi Leonard.