New York Knicks star point guard Jalen Brunson has agreed to a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension, set to begin in the 2025-26 season. This decision has garnered significant attention as Brunson voluntarily sacrificed approximately $113 million by signing the extension early. The move is being hailed as a strategic decision to provide the Knicks with greater salary cap flexibility to build a championship-contending team.Brunson’s extension comes on the heels of an outstanding season where he averaged 28.7 points per game and finished fifth in MVP voting. Knicks President Leon Rose praised Brunson’s commitment, stating, ‘Since Jalen joined us two years ago, he has always set a good example and continues to show his willingness to make sacrifices for this organization, his teammates, and everyone in the Knicks family’.The decision to take a pay cut has drawn comparisons to similar moves made by sports legends such as Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and Derek Jeter. NBA analyst Charles Barkley lauded Brunson’s choice, calling him a ‘great kid’ and a ‘hell of a player’. The contract structure allows Brunson to extend two years earlier when the salary cap is projected to be higher, potentially benefiting his long-term earnings.In a related development, reports suggest that newly acquired Knicks player Mikal Bridges may follow Brunson’s lead and take a pay cut on his next deal. This trend could significantly impact the Knicks’ ability to build a competitive roster in the coming years.Brunson’s decision reflects his desire to help the Knicks win their first NBA title since 1973. As the team looks to strengthen significantly in the offseason, Brunson’s team-friendly deal may prove crucial in attracting and retaining top talent.
Key points
- Jalen Brunson signed a four-year, $156.
- The extension is viewed as a strategic move to build a championship-contending team, drawing comparisons to similar decisions by other sports legends.
- Brunson’s decision may influence other players, like Mikal Bridges, to consider team-friendly deals.
- The Knicks aim to leverage this financial flexibility to strengthen their roster and pursue their first NBA title since 1973.
5 million extension with the New York Knicks, sacrificing potential earnings to help the team’s salary cap situation.
