IT IS DONE: Dallas Mavericks Coach Jason Kidd Has Done It Again With a Major On-Court Announcement — Jalen Brunson Reacts in Desperation.

In a dramatic and unexpected twist that has ignited headlines across the NBA world, Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has once again made a bold move on the court — one that not only shakes up the Western Conference landscape but has also drawn a desperate and emotional response from former Mavericks guard and current New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson.*

During a press conference following an intense Mavericks practice, Coach Kidd dropped a stunning announcement: **the team will be honoring Brunson in a highly public, symbolic pre-game tribute while simultaneously debuting a new starting lineup that includes a direct nod to the player they lost.** The announcement, while framed as a moment of respect, has been interpreted by many — including Brunson himself — as a pointed statement about “what could have been.”

“We’re making it official,” Kidd said, looking directly into the cameras. “We’re moving forward with a lineup built around Luka \[Dončić] and our current roster, but we’ll also use the season opener to recognize what Jalen Brunson meant — and still means — to this franchise. Sometimes you don’t realize what you had until it’s gone. But we’re building something even stronger now, and that starts on opening night.”

Sources close to the organization say Kidd’s announcement was partially a response to months of speculation and fan frustration over the team’s failure to retain Brunson in 2022. Since his departure, Brunson has blossomed into a star in New York, leading the Knicks with poise, scoring power, and veteran leadership. But while his move to the East Coast brought him personal success, the emotion tied to his departure from Dallas has never fully faded — for the fans, the front office, or Brunson himself.

Shortly after the announcement, Brunson reportedly reacted with visible frustration during a Knicks media availability. “I gave everything I had in Dallas. I didn’t leave out of pride or ego — I left because they didn’t believe in me the way New York did,” he said. “To see them now using my name to fire up their fans, to send messages through press conferences… yeah, it hits. It’s desperate, and it’s disappointing.”

Sources close to Brunson say he was “stunned” by Kidd’s timing — just days before the Mavs-Knicks matchup at Madison Square Garden. Some NBA insiders are calling it a “chess move” by Kidd, designed to stoke media buzz and player motivation ahead of a marquee showdown that could have serious playoff implications.

“Jason Kidd knows what he’s doing,” said former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy on a national broadcast. “This isn’t just about strategy — it’s psychological warfare. And if Brunson responds with a 40-point night in New York, we’ll know who really won the battle.”

Still, Kidd insists his move wasn’t meant to antagonize. “We respect Jalen. Always have. But we’re not here to dwell on the past — we’re here to honor it, and then move forward. That’s what great teams do.”

The Mavericks fanbase has had mixed reactions. Some are applauding Kidd for finally addressing the elephant in the room — the team’s failure to re-sign Brunson. Others feel it’s a calculated distraction to divert attention from offseason missteps.

But one thing is certain: the next meeting between the Mavericks and the Knicks has now transformed into one of the most emotionally charged matchups of the year.

Brunson summed it up simply: “I don’t need a tribute. I needed respect when I was there.”

As emotions rise and headlines swirl, the court — as always — will be the final judge. And when the Mavericks and Knicks tip off, all eyes will be on Jason Kidd and Jalen Brunson, two men with unfinished business, and a rivalry that suddenly feels very, very personal.