Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Revealed Why He Took Massive Discount on Extension

The New York Knicks finished this past season as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. They reached the Eastern Conference semi-finals before all their injuries finally caught up to them.

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New York is one of the deeper teams in the league and will enter the 2024-25 season with one of the best chances to win the title. Much of the success of the Knicks can be attributed to the performance of star point guard Jalen Brunson.

When he signed with New York in the 2022 offseason, it set off a spark to what the Knicks are today. Brunson was always a good player in the NBA but many never saw his rise to full stardom coming.

Last season, Brunson averaged 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. He also shot 40.1 percent from beyond the 3-point land, helping the Knicks become a strong offensive team.

Despite having the ability to be patient and land a much larger contract extension from New York next offseason, Brunson decided to take the guaranteed money now. He signed a four-year deal that is worth $156.5 million earlier this summer, leaving an additional $113 million on the table.

The former Villanova product would have been eligible to sign a projected $269.1 million deal over five years.

During a recording of an episode of his Roommates Show podcast with fellow Knicks teammate Josh Hart, Brunson opened up about his decision.

“It’s kinda simple. I want to be here. I want to show that actions speak louder than just talking about stuff. I want this team to be together for a long time. I want to win here. That’s it.”

It’s rare to see a player, especially a star directly in his prime, show loyalty to an organization like Brunson did. He is clearly motivated to help the Knicks win a title and seems to be willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.

Brunson was just named captain of the Knicks for the upcoming season, a move that celebrates his dedication to the organization. He is the engine that keeps New York going on the court and the Knicks are thankful to have him.

Read more: Jalen Brunson Earns Massive Honor From New York Knicks

His move should energize the Knicks, showing the other guys in the locker room that he wants to win. With the core group of players that New York has, they will surely have a say in how the Eastern Conference shakes out this season.