NBA Execs Feel Players May Follow Jalen Brunson on Contract amid CBA Restrictions

Jalen Brunson may be the first player of the second-apron era to take a massive pay cut, but he may not be the last.

Tim Bontemps of ESPN reported some NBA executives believe stars taking pay cuts could become the norm as salaries rise during the new $76 million television deal.

The new deal, which is yet to be formally announced, will begin with the 2025-26 season. The new CBA prevents a massive balloon cap spike, limiting raises to 10 percent per year, but it’s estimated max player contracts could touch $100 million per season by 2032-33.

Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension with the Knicks last week. The deal is worth $113 million less than what Brunson could have made if he waited until next summer to sign for his full five-year max.

The amount of money Brunson ultimately gave up won’t be determined for a few years. His extension ends right as he hits the 10 years of service mark, which will entitle him to a max salary of 35 percent of the cap. If Brunson signs for the full max in 2028-29, he’ll wind up giving back around $37 million in total.

That’s certainly nothing to sneeze at and gives the Knicks increased flexibility to stay under the second apron moving forward. The $11-13 million per season Brunson is giving up from 2025-26 through 2027-28 could allow the Knicks to maintain their core without dipping into the prohibitive second tax apron.

Brunson’s case is certainly a unique one in all facets. His father, Rick, is an assistant coach on the Knicks’ staff. His agent, Sam Rose, is the son of Knicks president Leon Rose. It is possible we’re seeing a wholly unique situation here.

That said, as salaries rise to previously unheard of levels, players may be more comfortable taking $85 million per season rather than $100 million to keep their team at a championship level.