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The New York Knicks have a lengthy to-do list this offseason. Not only is the team tasked with the free agencies of key players such as OG Anunoby, and Isaiah Hartenstein, but star point guard Jalen Brunson is eligible to sign an extension, which SNY’s Ian Begley believes will be agreed upon this offseason.
Brunson is eligible to sign a four-year, $156 million contract extension beginning on July 12th. If the 2024 All-NBA Second Team selection decides to hold off until next offseason, he can sign a five-year deal worth $270 million.
If Brunson and the Knicks are able to come to terms on a contract extension this offseason, it could save the team $37 million over the next three seasons.
According to Begley, “Under the extension, the Knicks would pay Brunson $113.1 million between 2025-26 and 2027-28. If he were to sign a max contract in 2025, the Knicks would pay Brunson $150.6 million between 2025-26 and 2027-28.”
Brunson has already sacrificed plenty of NBA earnings with his current contract with New York. Brunson is about to enter year three of a four-year deal worth $104 million. While that deal alone is a bargain considering Brunson’s rise to superstardom, his contract also descends each year, giving the Knicks greater cap flexibility through the course of the deal.
“A lot of players talk about putting the team above themselves,” writes Begley. “Brunson talks about it and backs up his words with his actions, like signing a descending contract in 2022.”
Brunson is coming off a career year in his second season with the Knicks. Averaging 28.7 points per game en route to his first career All-Star and All-NBA selections. Brunson continued his superb play during the postseason, averaging 32.4 points per game, including five games of 40 or more points.
Begley believes that given his team-first mentality there is a strong possibility of Brunson and the Knicks coming to an agreement on an extension this offseason, even at the expense of a more lucrative deal.
“Getting to know a little bit about Brunson over the past two years, I expect him to listen earnestly when he and the Knicks sit down for extension negotiations,” said Begley. “If I’m placing a bet today, Brunson and the Knicks will ultimately agree to terms on an extension, but it will not be guaranteed for the full four years.”
While the offseason is still young, anything can transpire and change. However, early indications suggest that Jalen Brunson is ready to put any personal gain to the side and do whatever it takes to help the Knicks on their quest to an NBA championship, even if it means signing a team-friendly extension.
This post was published on 2024-06-21 10:13
