Jalen Brunson has been the star player for the New York Knicks over the past two years and has been stellar in his role. Brunson has averaged 26.5 points and 6.5 assists for the Big Apple squad and is their undisputed leader for the foreseeable future.
While most people expected him to sign an extension for the Knicks in 2025 worth $269.5 million, he took the lesser option of signing a four-year extension in 2024 for $113 million less to help New York's front office become more flexible with their dealings.
"Jalen signing his extension to remain with the Knicks for the long-term shows the dedication and passion he has for the organization, the fans, and this city," Knicks President Leon Rose said in a statement. "Since Jalen joined us two years ago, he has consistently led by example and continues to show a willingness to sacrifice for this organization, his teammates, and everyone in the Knicks family."
Most superstars would not take the pay cut
Brunson's deal is unique and unprecedented because superstars like him often go for the maximum amount of money they can make. It is a natural approach to business in the sports world, but Brunson has done it for the team and inked a "bargain" deal he could have improved on in 2025.
It opens up more cap space for the Knicks to use in the long term because they can sign players or take in new contracts through trades to boost the team's potential. It is a brilliant move from the Knicks as they look to build on the success from the 2023/24 season.
This contract extension is another fantastic offseason move from the Knicks front office after trading for Mikal Bridges to reunite him with his Villanova teammates and re-signing OG Anunoby to a long-term five-year $212.5 million deal.
Brunson's pay cut could lead to more such deals, helping the Knicks become an even stronger team that could compete against the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Milwaukee Bucks for the crown. The unselfish decision makes him even more popular within the New York fan base.
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The Knicks have a bright future ahead
Brunson is entering his prime at only 27 years old, so this deal is a massive bargain for the Knicks. They know their superstar guard is ready to spearhead the charge for a shot at winning the championship for the first time since 1973.
He is flanked by plenty of high-level players like OG Mikal, Josh Hart, and three-time All-Star Julius Randle. The Knicks are the optimal team to face the defending champions Celtics, which Kevin Garnett already felt before the Bridges trade. That could be the catalyst that takes the Knicks to the highest level of the Eastern Conference.
Related: Mikal Bridges is excited to join the Knicks: "I thought I was going to be here in 2018"
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