Jalen Brunson accepted a massive pay cut with his new contract with the New York Knicks.
According to reports, he signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension with the Knicks.
That is $113 million less than he could have earned and Brunson gave up that money in an effort to give the Knicks more flexibility to improve the roster.
Speaking to SiriusXM NBA Radio, analyst Bobby Marks spoke about Brunson’s decision.
“I think it’s going to be interesting: does that set a precedent with other players, high-level players, to take back less?” he asked.
“I think it’s going to be interesting: does that set a precedent with other players, high level players, to take back less?”
ESPN FO insider Bobby Marks examines the impact of Jalen Brunson’s decision to re-sign with the Knicks for less $ with @thefrankisola and Ryan McDonough. pic.twitter.com/TjGh0dZmzJ
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) July 15, 2024
The Knicks are in a much better position because of this financial saving and could build a championship-caliber lineup around Brunson.
They will be able to spend more money on different contracts so the savings that Brunson allowed will be a great investment for the future.
Marks said it’ll be interesting to see how this affects other teams.
Will other high-level players go down a route like this, taking less money so their front office can make big moves?
What other stars will follow in Brunson’s footsteps?
Even before this decision, Brunson was a huge star in New York and has been widely celebrated by loyal fans of the team.
Last season, Brunson averaged 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game and was a definitive team leader.
With numbers like that, Brunson could have rightfully earned a lot more but he was willing to help his team out in a huge way.
He was already a hero to Knicks fans but this makes him even more beloved.
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