The New York Knicks superstar guard, Jalen Brunson, is eligible to sign a $269 million deal next year, but heβs putting winning above personal financial gain. Brunson, who has cemented himself as likely the Knicks’ most beloved player since the 1990s, has opted to sign a year earlier, forfeiting significant earnings.
Brunson and the Knicks have reportedly agreed to a four-year extension worth $156.5 million. This move saves the team and costs him well over $100 million, an “unprecedented financial concession,” according to ESPN.
There is inherent risk involved, but if Brunson, just 27, maintains his current level of play, heβs bound to secure another lucrative deal. Knicks fans would be outraged if the team ever considered letting him go.
Brunson’s agent, Sam Rose, told ESPN that Brunson is forfeiting $37.1 million over the next three years. The extension will commence with the 2025-26 season.
ESPN highlighted that Brunson was inspired by sports superstars like former NFL great Tom Brady, current Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and New York Yankees legend Derek Jeterβathletes who sacrificed their own financial stability for their team’s success.
However, the good news for Brunson is that this decision makes him eligible for a staggering $418 million deal in 2029.
Brunson led New York to the second seed in the Eastern Conference last season. Had it not been for injuries, including one to Brunson himself, the team very likely would have reached the conference finals against the Boston Celtics.
Brunson became a fan favorite in his first season with the Knicks, partly because his father, Rick Brunson, is an assistant coach. This past season, he posted career-highs of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game, earning his first All-Star nod and finishing fifth in the MVP vote.
Brunson is one of several “Nova Knicks,” including Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, and newcomer Mikal Bridges, all of whom played on Villanova’s 2016 and 2018 national championship teams.
The Knicks last reached the NBA Finals in 1999 and last won a championship in 1973, but the future looks promising. Brunson’s new deal is a significant step in the right direction for the team.
Rubby Cordelia is a finance journalist for WVPrepBB.com, bringing expertise and clarity to her reporting on financial news. With a passion for demystifying complex economic issues, Rubby delivers insightful analysis and up-to-date information on the latest market trends, financial policies, and economic developments. Her work on WVPrepBB.com is essential reading for anyone looking to stay informed about the ever-changing world of finance.
