![May 19, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) flexes his left hand during the third quarter of game seven of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports](https://empiresportsmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NBA-Playoffs-Indiana-Pacers-at-New-York-Knicks-23325285.jpg?w=858&h=483&crop=1)
The New York Knicks can breathe a sigh of relief after Jalen Brunson took an otherworldly nine-figure pay cut to remain with the team, but a former franchise great doesn’t think the selfless move can be bounced back from.
Carmelo Anthony praises Jalen Brunson for his contract pay cut
![New York Knicks, Carmelo Anthony](https://empiresportsmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/USATSI_9874359-539x359.jpg)
When speaking to Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Paul George on his “Podcast P” production on Monday, Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony asserted that no matter how much Brunson stole the hearts of those in the city of New York, he wont be able to make the $113 million he sacrificed back in off-the-court ventures, saying this (h/t The Sporting News’ Scott Davis):
“Listen, you can’t make $113 million off the court,” Anthony said. “People is busting their ass out there and isn’t make $113 million off the court. I’m talking about people who’s been off the court or off the field for years and years, who are the biggest stars out there, they’re not making $100 [million] off the court. So that right there is different.
“[Brunson] is making something. He should be making something. $113 [million], to make that up on the backend, is crazy.”
Knicks’ Jalen Brunson prioritizes basketball over off-the-court revenue streams
![Apr 11, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball while Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports](https://empiresportsmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/NBA-New-York-Knicks-at-Boston-Celtics-23003461.jpg?resize=539,359)
Outside of the four highest-paid NBA players of 2023, being LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), and Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns) respectively, who all took home at least $40 million in endorsements alone that year, no player made more than $25 million in that department, as Sportico revealed. Several players around the Association have favorable shoe deals, as well as endorsement deals with food and beverage companies and more.
Brunson has several endorsers, including Nike and Dollar Shave Club. He also hosts “The Roommates Show” alongside Knicks teammate Josh Hart. Yet, the New Jersey native stated that the game comes first for him in an interview earlier in 2024, as Sportico shared:
“’I’m definitely open to doing more partnerships, but I always love to keep the main thing the main thing,’ Brunson said during his appearance on Business Beyond the Game earlier this year. ‘As long as I’m working hard on the court and making sure I take care of everything first, I know I’ll be even better when it comes to helping brands and endorsement stuff.’”
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Anthony’s comments have merit but no bearing on Brunson’s preferences
![New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) warms up before a game against the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden](https://empiresportsmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/NBA-Miami-Heat-at-New-York-Knicks-9979678.jpg?resize=539,359)
Despite having well over a half-dozen endorsements and his own media venture, Brunson is laser-focused on advancing the Knicks toward a championship. Thus, Anthony’s prognosis of Brunson’s situation, which holds weight in and of itself, appears to be further validated by where Brunson’s priorities lie. The thing is, the 2024 All-Star may not care. For him, his day job is more important than his hide hustles.