Jalen Brunson’s pay cut directly helped the New York Knicks win a championship, but now it may be time for him to be (deservedly) selfish.
The Knicks star point guard Brunson is expected to pursue a max contract extension from the team next summer, Vincent Goodwill of ESPN reported this week. Brunson will likely be getting “every dollar” of his projected $280 million to $300 million max, Goodwill adds.
Now 29 years old, Brunson is the undisputed face of the Knicks and just helped lead them to their first NBA title since 1973. Since arriving in New York in 2022, Brunson has become a bona fide 25-ppg scorer and arguably the single best clutch scorer in the league as he was named Finals MVP during the Knicks’ championship run this year.
But perhaps none of that would have been possible if Brunson had not made a major sacrifice for the team two summers ago. In 2024, Brunson signed an early extension with the Knicks that effectively left over $100 million on the table.
As a result, New York was able to avoid the second apron of the luxury tax. That in turn allowed them to trade for the likes of Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges and also re-sign OG Anunoby, all of whom became absolutely crucial starters on their 2026 championship team alongside Brunson.
Meanwhile under Brunson’s current modest extension, he can test free agency as soon as 2028. But if he does end up getting his expected new extension for the full max next summer, the Knicks may have to cut costs elsewhere with their core (perhaps with one big-name trade candidate in particular).
