Despite enjoying one of the best years of his career in New York in 2020/21, Reggie Bullock called it an easy decision to leave the Knicks for the Mavericks in free agency, as Marc Berman of The New York Post relays. Bullock received a three-year deal worth a little over $30MM from Dallas.
“When I played against the Mavericks last year, I liked the way that they competed as a team,” Bullock said. “They got great players, so it was an easy, no-brainer for me. Being with the Knicks last year, we made it to the playoffs but I see (the Mavericks) as a team that’s taking that next step to be in the postseason.”
New York re-signed Alec Burks, Derrick Rose, Nerlens Noel, and Taj Gibson this month, making Bullock the only key free agent who got away. A source tells Berman that Bullock would’ve been open to returning to the Knicks if they’d been willing to get something done quickly, but the team asked him to wait. The veteran wing wasn’t interested in waiting — his deal with the Mavericks was reported about 75 minutes into free agency.
Here’s more from around the Atlantic:
- Blake Murphy of The Athletic takes an in-depth look at Raptors camp invitee Ishmail Wainright, a selfless, hard-working player whom Murphy describes as a “walking culture-builder.” Wainright, who has played in Europe since 2018, has a partial guarantee and is vying for a spot on Toronto’s regular season roster. As Murphy writes, the 6’6″ forward is determined to stick in the NBA. “I’m here to stay,” he said. “I don’t plan on going back overseas. Ever.”
- The $8.1MM trade exception the Sixers generated in last offseason’s Al Horford trade is set to expire on September 7, Derek Bodner of The Athletic observes. Bodner also explores how much of the mid-level exception Philadelphia still has available and the team’s current roster breakdown, which includes 14 players on standard NBA contracts.
- In case you missed it on Sunday, we relayed some details on new contracts signed by the Celtics and Knicks, and examined the impact the Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk signing will have on the Raptors‘ roster battles.
Don’t know a thing about wainwright. But based on this article alone I’m rooting for him. If he makes the team I’ll make a point of looking for him when the raptors get the national broadcast game or play vs my local LA teams
Wainwright did not stand out in summer league but his role is a limited one. Why Raptors gave up on Paul Watson is curious. He showed more 3&D promise and even had a standout game last season. Even though he’s a 2/3, keep Watson and dump the GL backup.
LOL. The Reggie Bullock comments are hilarious. “I like they way they competed” or “they got great players”. C’mon Reggie it’s ok. Just say the truth, I got 3/$30.! Holy crap! The Knicks did not want to give me that. No one else was going to give me that. I took it! Nothing wrong with the truth and good for him. He’s a decent shooter. Get what you can get.
Reggie you took the best offer. You care more about money than winning. Dallas is good not great. Maybe in a few years Luka can ask players to play for the minimum or get on a buy out like LBJ.
Burks (3/$30m), Rose (3/$43m), Gibson (2/$10), Noel (3/$27-32), and Founier ($4/77) were signed day 1. Walker 2/$18 and Randle 4/$117 later. Everyone up for new contracts got them eccept: Knox & Robinson (decisions by next year)… N’kina, Payton (gone)… and Bullock (signed same day after being told “later” (alligator?)).
No wonder Bullock found a new team quickly. I knew Burks was favored & Bullock gone.
I would say the goal was a happy lockerroom! I doubt Bullock will be missed much. This year Barrett & Toppin will attack closeouts to stay ahead of the rookie guards.
Reggie Bullock a Joke! Dude had an ok year! Thank goodness ur good as gone! Go to Dallas! But they dont have a better future or team then the Knicks