When it comes to leadership, the Knicks‘ new captain, Jalen Brunson, has set the tone for a team with championship aspirations next season. It is not often that your star player takes a pay cut to allow the team to make further advancements and reinforcements.
Brunson gave the Knicks a $113 million discount, agreeing to a four-year, $156.5 million deal. He could have waited until next offseason, opting out of his player option to sign for five years and $269.1 million. Instead, the 27-year-old opted for passion and love from the city of New York.
“I think about every decision that I make, and I’m completely comfortable with what I’ve done,” Brunson said, via the Associated Press.
May 17, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during game six of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Brunson’s Impact on the Knicks
This past year, Brunson did magical things for the Knicks. He averaged 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and shot .479 from the field and .401 from downtown. His statistics are some of the best the team has seen in a long time, and he has become the new leader for a team that desperately needed saving.
The Quarterback of the Knicks
Star power forward Julius Randle has done his best to carve out a big role for himself, but Brunson has immediately eclipsed his impact since the point guard position is considered the most important. It’s essentially the quarterback of an NBA team, and Brunson leads through his actions and not empty words.
Brunson’s Long-Term Vision
The veteran guard knows that his family is set for life, not to mention multiple generations of wealth. He might be able to capitalize on a future extension anyway, but his focus is winning a championship in New York and breaking a 50-year stretch of disappointment.
“Obviously, I’m well off, myself and my family, we’re obviously well off, so that’s first and foremost. But I want to win. I want to win here,” he stated.
Financial Flexibility
With the money saved, the Knicks will have plenty of flexibility in the future. They will have the ability to extend Mikal Bridges or give Julius Randle the deal he likely will seek.
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Randle’s Uncertain Future
Randle is headed towards an interesting situation himself, and it is unlikely to follow in the footsteps of Brunson. The veteran forward is also 29 years old and heading into a year that could end his spell with the Knicks. He has a $28.9 million next season and an option for the 2025–26 campaign at $30.9 million. If he opts out, Randle can likely reach a threshold of around $40 million per year, similar to what OG Anunoby got this offseason from the Knicks.
The Changing NBA Financial Landscape
Money is being thrown around like water these days for NBA players, and Brunson taking a pay cut was certainly unexpected but also not a surprise from a player of his respect.
