The moment Luka Doncic realized Knicks standout Jalen Brunson was meant for more is revealed.

Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson share a history dating back to the 2018 NBA draft when the Dallas Mavericks selected them. Doncic was chosen as the No. 3 pick, while Brunson’s name was called later at No. 33. Little did anyone know then, except perhaps Brunson and his family, that the Mavericks had drafted two future stars.

Fortunately for the New York Knicks, Brunson slipped through the Mavericks’ grasp. Despite being willing to sign a four-year, $55 million extension with Dallas, no offer was extended, leading him to sign a four-year, $104 million deal with the Knicks in free agency—a contract that swiftly proved to be a steal for New York.

Over the past year and a half with the Knicks, Brunson has exceeded expectations, becoming a first-time All-Star and on track for his first All-NBA team appearance. His hard work throughout his NBA career, which began in Texas, is evident, and his next contract is anticipated to reflect his dedication.

During a recent appearance on JJ Redick’s Old Man and the Three podcast, Doncic affirmed that he foresaw Brunson’s exceptional performance. Reflecting on Brunson’s impactful playoff run in Dallas, where he averaged 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game with a 46.6% shooting percentage, Doncic highlighted a crucial Game 2 victory against Utah in the absence of Doncic himself. Brunson delivered a career-high 41 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two turnovers, contributing significantly to the series win.

Doncic acknowledged that Brunson’s outstanding work ethic had been evident since their draft in 2018, describing it as “amazing” to play alongside him. While it’s premature to speculate, Knicks fans may find hope in monitoring Doncic’s future, considering Dallas’s current standing in the West. However, even if Doncic were to consider a trade, it’s expected that the Mavericks’ owner, Mark Cuban, would strive to prevent him from joining the Knicks, especially considering the impact of a homegrown star like Brunson elevating the team. The potential pairing of Doncic and Brunson in New York, though intriguing, might be a challenging scenario for Cuban to accept.