Jalen Brunson is staying with the Knicks on a substantial discount. The All-Star guard agreed to a four-year, $156.5 million extension on Friday. By signing this contract now instead of next offseason, the All-NBA Second Team selection is leaving over $100 million in guaranteed money on the table. He would have been eligible for a five-year, $269 million extension next summer.
This $113 million sacrifice will significantly benefit the Knicks’ ability to maintain a cohesive team, which is set to become quite costly in the coming years. Alongside Brunson, OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, and Mikal Bridges will each earn more than $23 million next season.
According to ESPN, Brunson’s new deal will cost him $37 million over the next three years, but he may have the opportunity to recover some of this money with a four-year, $323 million extension in 2028 or a five-year, $418 million deal in 2029, as his new contract includes a player option in the fourth year.
While it remains uncertain what might happen between now and 2028 or 2029, Brunson possibly considered the unpredictability when he decided to sign now rather than wait until next summer. The example of Isaiah Thomas, who lost out on a massive contract due to an injury, underscores the risk of waiting too long.
By securing his money now, Brunson eliminates the risk of potential career-altering events. This move also allows the Knicks to keep their core team together and stay under the second apron for the foreseeable future.
Brunson’s decision reflects an incredible act of selflessness by one of the league’s top players, cementing his status as a beloved figure in New York.