The Utah-Dallas first-round series has always been one of the intrigues for Knicks fans.
And apparently it’s huge for Knicks brass, too.
According to tweets and photos from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, a scouting contingent led by Knicks executive vice president William Wesley attended Saturday’s first game and even faced Dallas native Julius Randle.
Jazz Guards Mavericks Guard Jalen Brunson.NBAE’s Donovan Mitchell via Getty Images
Wesley was joined by two other members of the Knicks’ front office, Allan Houston and Makhtar N’diaye. Randle reportedly joined the executives at half-time.
Mavericks point guard Jalen Brunson is a top target this summer as an unrestricted free agent. Jazz star guard Donovan Mitchell would also be a trade target if he attempts to leave Utah if the Jazz are eliminated by the Mavericks. The Jazz won 99-93 behind Mitchell’s 32 points. Brunson has 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists for Dallas.
It is unclear if Randle was invited by Messing to scout Brunson. But it was speculated that Randle, who has always excelled in games in his hometown, would consider the Mavericks a prime target for traders.