Part 8/14:
The Mavericks' decision to let Jalen Brunson walk for nothing continues to haunt them. Brunson, now averaging 28 points and six assists with the New York Knicks, was allowed to leave because Dallas believed he and Luka couldn’t coexist. Ironically, this has left Dallas with neither star at the moment. Their roster remains a confusing patchwork, especially after trading away Kristaps Porzingis for mediocrity—Davis Bertans, Spencer Dinwiddie, and second-round picks—only for Porzingis to become a key piece in Boston’s 2024 championship run.