Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks have reached a significant contract extension agreement, marking a pivotal moment for the franchise.
Brunson’s decision to sign now, rather than waiting, will save the Knicks more than $100 million, showcasing a selfless, team-first mentality that aims to maintain the squad’s cohesion.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Brunson’s new deal spans four years and is worth $156.5 million. This amount is a substantial $113 million less than what he could have secured had he waited until next year.
By opting for this contract now, Brunson is passing up a potential five-year, $269 million deal in 2025. The current deal translates to an annual average of $37.5 million over the next three years, with a player option in the fourth year. In 2028, Brunson will be eligible for a four-year, $323 million extension, or a five-year, $418 million contract in 2029.
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The Knicks’ commitment to Brunson is evident, and his teammate Josh Hart expressed his admiration for Brunson’s decision by tweeting, “Build him a statue.”
Brunson’s move is the kind of decision made by a player focused on chasing championships. The 27-year-old point guard had an outstanding 2023-24 season, earning his first All-Star selection, being named to the All-NBA second team, and finishing fifth in NBA MVP voting. He posted career-high averages in points (28.7), assists (6.7), and minutes (35.4) per game, while shooting an impressive 40.1% from three-point range and 47.9% from the field.
Since joining the Knicks before the 2022-23 season, Brunson has thrived. After breaking into the starting lineup with the Dallas Mavericks in the 2021-22 season and setting career-highs, he hit free agency seeking a lucrative contract. The Knicks signed him to a four-year, $104 million deal, entrusting him with the team’s leadership. This partnership has been highly beneficial for both Brunson and the Knicks.
Brunson’s decision to accept a lesser deal carries considerable risk. At the peak of his value, an injury could severely impact his future earning potential. Despite this, Brunson has prioritized the pursuit of a championship with a strong Knicks roster over financial security.
Wojnarowski noted that Brunson’s decision was part of a calculated plan. Brunson studied championship organizations and franchise stars such as Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs, Tom Brady’s New England Patriots, and Derek Jeter’s New York Yankees. He found a blueprint in these MVP-level players who structured their contracts to enhance their teams’ chances of sustained title runs.
Next season, Brunson will be surrounded by a wealth of talent. He’ll play alongside recently re-signed OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart. All these players are under contract through at least the 2025-26 season.
In an era where it’s rare for players to sacrifice money for their franchise’s success, Brunson’s agreement to this new contract is a testament to his commitment to the Knicks and their championship aspirations.
