Colin Cowherd says Jaylen Brunson leaving $113 million on the table shows he is a true leader: "This is what Bosh, Wade, and LeBron did"

Jalen Brunson was expected to sign a five-year $269 million max extension in 2025. But instead of waiting for the bag, Brunson re-signed one year earlier, taking a significantly lesser four-year $156.6 million deal with the Knicks .

With Brunson taking a massive $113 million pay cut, the Knicks have more financial flexibility. This allows them to add more players and solidify a roster that already acquired Mikal Bridges earlier this summer.

According to Fox Sports' Colin Cowherd , that' selfless' act showed that Brunson is a true leader because that's what the other greats did to build their championship teams.

"When you go to Canton or Springfield, nobody ever says when you get to the podium 'You were the highest-paid guy in 2016 for a month'. They say you were great. And Jalen Brunson, this is what leadership looks like…This is what Bosh, Wade, and LeBron did in Miami, it's what KD did with the Warriors, it's what Brady did, and Mahomes has done a little bit of it in Kansas City," declared Cowherd.

Best star in New York since Patrick Ewing

According to Colin, he's always loved JB's self-awareness and intelligence. He calls Jalen the ultimate 'Villanova guy' because he encompasses all the key values of that college basketball program - staying in school, practicing hard, playing tough defense, and being a good teammate.

Cowherd added that he has seen so many pseudo-stars come and go to the Big Apple, but Brunson is different. He is a genuine star because he sees the bigger picture, and taking less money in salary-cap sports illustrates one's commitment to winning.

"Nobody in Springfield and Canton when you go to the podium cares what you made," continued Colin. " They care that you were part of something special. The Pistons, MJ's Bulls, Kobe and Shaq Lakers. Who knows what they made, whocares what they made? The teams were special and the leaders in sports get it and Jalen Brunson remains the best quarterback in New York and the best star they had since Patrick Ewing."

Related: "Young fella, you alright. Go sit back down. You good" - Jayson Tatum shares what Michael Jordan told him after a wine accident

Leon Rose says JB leads by example

Brunson's decision to take less money also drew the praise of Knicks President Leon Rose. Rose, who is the architect of the Villanova Knicks, said that Brunson showed dedication and passion by agreeing to a much cheaper contract.

"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," 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."

The NY squad lost a key piece in Isaiah Hartenstein because of a quirk in the CBA that prevented them from offering him more than $72.5 million over four years. Brunson's taking less money helps ensure that doesn't happen again next summer and in the coming years. Hopefully, the sacrifice pays off with a Larry O'Brien trophy for the Knicks.

Related: "His extension to remain with the Knicks for the long-term shows dedication and passion" - The Knicks ink a remarkable deal with Jalen Brunson