Jalen Brunson’s $156.5 million Knicks extension puts priorities on display

Jalen Brunson revealed exactly how his priorities aligned with his $156.5 million extension, a deal that felt unprecedented in its sacrifice because the point guard could’ve signed for $113 million more next summer. 

“Priority A, I secured I think a decent amount of money to support myself and my family, my extended family in the current time. I didn’t have to wait a year,” said Brunson, who is currently on the $104 million deal he signed in 2022. “Like I said, a lot can happen in a year. Everyone in this room has seen a lot happen in a year when players wait out. So that’s one thing. No. 2 — I would love to be here, I want to be here the rest of my career. 

“And winning trumps everything I do individually. Like I said, when you win as a team, individuals can grow from that. That’s at the front of my mind at all times — what can I do to win?” 

The “winning” element to the contract is the way it maintains Brunson’s salary at a low enough figure — his average salary is about $37.5 million in the first three seasons — to boost the chances of keeping the Knicks away from the dreaded second tax apron. 

If the Knicks — who are paying the team’s highest salaries next season to OG Anunoby and Julius Randle — fall in the second apron, they’d be restricted in trades and free agency.

Cap flexibility can be important to building a championship contender, and Brunson acknowledged he studied the documentaries of Tom Brady and Derek Jeter before making his decision. 

“First, Tom Brady and Derek Jeter are in a class of their own. I’m not saying I’m a part of that class. Second, those dudes are the epitome of winning. They did whatever it took to win. That was on the forefront of their minds,” said Brunson, who was introduced Thursday at MSG as the newest Knicks team captain. “I just knew if I did this, it would give us a lot of flexibility and put us in position to win. 

“And I know that a lot of people don’t agree with it. A lot of people are saying it’s not the smart thing from a personal standpoint. But I just know — I’m comfortable here. This is home for me. I don’t worry about what anybody else says, what they think. That’s their opinion. They can have it.” 

Brunson can make up much of the money if he signs a big deal after the extension in 2028.

But even if he maxes out contracts the rest of his career, Brunson could never recoup the $37.1 million difference from the first three years of the extension versus the first three years of the theoretical $269.1 million 2025 free agency deal. 

Money in hand, location and winning took priorities. 

“I think anyone who knows me, knows what I’m about,” Brunson said. “So if anybody did call me to tell me to [not take the extension], they’re probably not my peers. I think about every decision I make. And I’m completely comfortable with what I’ve done. Obviously, I’m well off. Myself and my family, we’re obviously well off. That’s first and foremost. But I want to win. I want to win here.” 

Brunson made light of the financial sacrifice Thursday when presented a check from the Knicks for his charity organization, the Second Round Foundation. 

“Is it for $113 million?” Brunson joked. 

Not quite. It was $20,000.