Jalen Brunson has been underpaid all through his complete NBA profession. He was chosen by the Dallas Mavericks within the second spherical of the 2018 NBA Draft and instantly grew right into a precious function participant. He joined the Knicks on a hefty four-year free agent deal in 2022, however proved shortly that he was an All-Star worthy of a max contract. Now, if Brunson desires that max contract, he wants solely to attend one offseason for it. Brunson has a participant choice for the 2025-26 season. If he declines it, he’ll turn into a free agent and be capable to re-sign with the Knicks for a staggering $269 million over 5 years.
However, based on The Athletic’s Fred Katz, this end result is not a certainty. No, Brunson, who turns into eligible for a contract extension on July 12, the two-year anniversary of his final deal, is contemplating a far cheaper choice. If Brunson re-signs when he turns into eligible on Friday, he would solely be capable to earn round $156.5 million over 4 years. That is round $113 million left on the desk, and based on Katz, Brunson is contemplating it.
I’ve defined the cap mechanics concerned within the choice in depth right here. Briefly, most extensions are restricted by how a lot a participant beforehand made. Brunson is underpaid now and might solely be given a 40% increase at the beginning of a brand new deal and eight% raises thereafter. That is nonetheless fairly a bit of cash, but it surely’s not near his max, which might are available in at 30% of subsequent season’s cap.
Brunson would have two major causes for leaving the cash on the desk. The primary could be safety. He can assure himself the $156.5 million by signing this week if he desires to. Rather a lot might occur earlier than the $269 million turns into obtainable subsequent offseason. He might get damage or see his worth decline in different methods. He additionally is aware of simply how restrictive this new CBA is, and by signing for much less, he would assist the Knicks keep away from the second apron and maintain their crew collectively to compete for championships.
Brunson will likely be on a brand new contract quickly. Julius Randle can also be eligible without cost company subsequent offseason. Mikal Bridges has two years left on his deal, and OG Anunoby simply re-signed for $212.5 million. The Knicks are getting costly. If sacrifices aren’t made someplace, this crew goes to lose expertise within the coming years.
Brunson seems open to the thought of constructing the sacrifices wanted to assist the Knicks win on the highest stage. The most well-liked Knicks participant since Patrick Ewing might purchase himself much more love from New York followers with a sacrifice like this. We have seen stars sacrifice for the crew earlier than, however the thought of leaving $113 million on the desk is almost unfathomable.