Almost traded, Carlisle recalls the Mavericks tried to trade Brunson for Halliburton

Rick Carlisle reviews a nearly-taken deal for the Mavericks after Terrys Halliburton beat Jaylen Brunson in the NBA playoffs.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle is in a familiar situation in this year's NBA Finals. Carlisle leads another underdog team led by underrated stars, although both Tyres Halliburton and Dirk Nowitzki were different leaders when they led the team to the finals for the first time. He reviewed his journey to the Finals, including the deal that almost happened while playing for the Dallas Mavericks, which included Halliburton and Jaylen Brunson.

Halliburton was a remarkable rookie in the 2020 draft. The Iowa State point guard is not as popular as top rookies like Anthony Edwards or LaMelo Ball, but his skills are highly valued by teams across the league. According to Carlisle, the Mavericks have tried to build a trade with Brunson and their draft picks to advance.

Dallas tried to trade with each team before the Sacramento Kings picked Halliburton with the 12th overall pick, according to ESPN's Jamal Collier and Tim McMahon.

"We tried our best to get him and advance, but we just couldn't do it," Carlisle said before the finals began. "I tell you, Mark Cuban tried everything. When Mark made up his mind to do something, he usually found a way."

Despite Cuban's best efforts, the Mavericks failed to reach a deal. But this may be a good thing. Brunson grew up with Luca Doncic to become a capable backcourt player. However, the Dallas Mavericks were reluctant to give him the contract extension he asked for, and the young defender eventually signed with the New York Knicks.

Carlisle played for the Mavericks for a season before returning to the Pacers in 2021. He ended up having a chance to coach the young star after the Indiana Pacers traded Halliburton. Three years later, Carlisle and Halliburton helped the Pacers just two wins away from their first championship in team history.

Carlisle has trained many point guards in his career, but Brunson and Halliburton are perhaps his two most brilliant wins. Both defenders have been selected to the NBA All-Squad this season and have led the team further in the playoffs.

After Jason Tatum was injured, the competition in the Eastern Conference was unprecedentedly fierce. However, the Pacers and the Knicks still have a chance to dominate the league in the coming years.

Carlisle has been a staunch supporter of Halliburton and has praised the Pacers leader throughout the playoffs. He even compared the young star to Jason Kidd. The Hall of Fame guard helped him grow into the coach he is today.

"What I learned in my first year in Dallas was to hand the ball to Jason Kidd, let him walk away by himself, let him take control of the game, let him lead the team," Carlisle said before the NBA Finals began. "Tyres' situation is very similar, but it took less than half a season to figure it out. In Dallas, Luca's situation is the same. It's obvious that when you have such a strong player, such a strong presence, such a rich sense of knowledge, vision and depth, you have to let them do what they should do."

Carlisle's strategy worked, and he was close to his second championship. If he can finish the deal, he will be one of the most underrated coaches in league history.