Nicked the draft pick! New York lost its 2025 second-round draft pick after the NBA ruled the Knicks guilty of interference before signing star guard Jalen Brunson
The New York Knicks have been punished for interfering with the NBA’s pursuit of star point guard Jalen Brunson.
Reports dating back to August suggested the league was investigating whether contact was made before free agency. Under current rules, early contact is not allowed.
Now, the NBA has come down on the hot Knicks, who released a statement Wednesday, which included the loss of a second-round pick in 2025.
‘This outcome reflects a finding, following an investigation, that the Knicks engaged in free agency discussions involving Jalen Brunson prior to the date such discussions were authorized.’
The Knicks lost a second-round pick because of interference in the middle of signing guard Jalen Brunson
The league added that the Knicks franchise has fully cooperated with the investigation.
Several reports surfaced before the June 30 opening of the free agency negotiation period suggesting that the Knicks and Brunson had reached an agreement.
Brunson did indeed sign for New York, agreeing to a four-year, $104million deal. Outside media were not allowed into Brunson’s inaugural news conference, with in-house media playing the role of participants.
According to widespread reports, Brunson is scheduled to meet with multiple NBA teams as the league’s negotiating period begins. However, such meetings did not take place.
The NBA has decided to revoke a draft pick in New York after it violated the rules of free agency discussions
Brunson has been a sensation for New York, averaging 20.8 points, 6.2 assists and 1.2 steals.
Despite losing a draft pick, the fit seems like a good one for both parties.
The 26-year-old has averaged 20.8 points – nearly double his career average – 6.2 assists and 1.2 steals since debuting for his new franchise.
Meanwhile, New York has been on a roll throughout the month of December, winning eight straight 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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