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
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
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
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.
