Draft pick nicked! New York loses its 2025 second-round draft pick after NBA finds Knicks guilty of tampering prior to signing star guard Jalen Brunson
The New York Knicks have been penalized for tampering by the NBA during its pursuit of star point guard Jalen Brunson.
Reports dating back to August suggested the league was investigating if contact was made prior to free agency. Under current rules, early contact is not allowed.
Now, the NBA have come down on the red-hot Knicks, issuing a statement Wednesday, which included the loss of a second-round pick in 2025.
‘This outcome reflected a finding, following an investigation, that the Knicks engaged in free agency discussions involving Jalen Brunson prior to the date when such discussions were permitted.’
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The Knicks lost a second-round pick for tampering amid the signing of guard, Jalen Brunson
The league added the Knicks franchise fully cooperated with the investigation.
Several reports arose prior to the June 30 opening of free agency negotiation period suggesting the Knicks and Brunson had struck a deal.
Brunson did indeed sign for New York, agreeing a four-year, $104million deal. External media were not allowed entry to Brunson’s introductory news conference, with in-house media playing the role of participants.
According to widespread reports, Brunson was scheduled to meet with numerous NBA teams as the league’s negotiation period began. However, said meetings never materialized.
The NBA decided to rescind a New York draft pick after it violated free agency discussion rules
Brunson has been a sensation for New York, averaging 20.8 points, 6.2 assists and 1.2 steals
Despite the loss of a draft choice, the fit seems to be an excellent one for both parties.
The 26-year-old is averaging 20.8 points – almost double his career average – 6.2 assists and 1.2 steals since debuting for his new franchise.
Meanwhile, New York are on a roll through the month of December, having won eight consecutive games, including most recently, a 38-point evisceration of the Golden State Warriors.
Jalen Brunson had a stellar 2021 playoffs for the Mavericks, averaging 21.6 points per game
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