(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks needed a hero, and they found one in an unlikely candidate.
While he was clearly a solid player and projected starter, not even the most optimistic Knicks fan thought Jalen Brunson would take the Big Apple by storm the way he’s done it.
Notably, that goes beyond the court.
Leon Rose has built the Knicks around his point guard.
The Knicks became an extension of Villanova, with Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, and now Mikal Bridges joining him at Madison Square Garden.
However, it’s not like Brunson is holding them hostage or forcing their hand.
If anything, he’s doing everything in his power to help them compete at the highest level.
Never had an athlete given up $113 million for the sake of the team and the salary cap, and the decision to sign a contract extension now will have massive implications for the team.
Then again, as pointed out by Evan Sidery, it might also help him in the long run.
Jalen Brunson is now set to hit free agency after his tenth season, which qualifies him to receive the largest salary possible.
The Knicks will be eligible to offer Brunson a five-year, $417 million extension in 2028.
Giving up $113 million now for team flexibility will… pic.twitter.com/l6jeEq456c
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 13, 2024
Now, he’ll become a free agent after his tenth season, thus being allowed to receive the largest salary possible.
With the salary cap continuously on the rise, that means he could be looking at a whopping five-year, $417 million extension in 2028.
He’s betting on himself, and that could give him an $83 million a-year payout.
It’s hard not to root for someone like him, especially when everybody else in the league seems to be in it more for the money than for the competitiveness and the actual love for the game.
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