Brunson Focused on Title After Inking Extension: “This Is Just the Beginning”

Jalen Brunson signed a four-year contract extension with the New York Knicks, valued at approximately $156.5 million. This extension comes after he gave the team a $113 million discount by not opting for free agency, which would have made him eligible for a five-year, $269 million deal. In return, Brunson has been named the team captain.

Brunson's partnership with the Knicks has resulted in the team's greatest success in the last 25 years. Since he joined the team in the summer of 2022, the Knicks have reached the Eastern Conference semifinals in both seasons, a feat they had not achieved since 2013. They also won playoff series in consecutive seasons for the first time since a nine-year stretch from 1992 to 2000.

At a ceremonial event at Madison Square Garden to celebrate his extension, former Knicks stars, including Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing, praised Brunson's leadership. Ewing narrated a video that featured a photo of him with Brunson as a child, during which his father, Rick Brunson, played for the Knicks. Ewing commented, “People just want to be around you, Jalen. You're a born leader.”

Coach Tom Thibodeau, who has known Brunson since his childhood, emphasized the player's work ethic and ability to attract other players, which contributed to the Knicks' decision to sign him.

Brunson acknowledged that some may question his financial decision to take less than the maximum allowable salary, stating, “I think about every decision that I make and I'm completely comfortable with what I've done.” He added that while he and his family are “obviously well off,” his primary focus is on winning with the Knicks.

The Knicks are navigating the complexities of the NBA's salary cap, especially with other high-profile contracts like OG Anunoby's five-year deal worth over $210 million and Julius Randle's potential extension. Brunson expressed confidence in his choice, saying, “Winning trumps everything that I do individually.”

Last season, Brunson led the Knicks with an average of 28.7 points per game, finishing fourth in the NBA. He was selected for his first All-Star team and finished fifth in MVP voting. He also became the first player since Michael Jordan to achieve four consecutive postseason games with over 40 points.

Reflecting on the previous season, Brunson mentioned that he is still focused on the injury he sustained during the Knicks' Game 7 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the second round. He expressed optimism about the team's potential to advance further in the upcoming season, stating, “This is literally just the beginning.”

Brunson is determined to guide the Knicks to greater heights, drawing inspiration from sports icons like Derek Jeter and Tom Brady, who were known for their leadership and team-first attitudes. He concluded, “People can say they want to do a lot of things, but it's all about their actions. Obviously, this is no guarantee that we win a championship, right? This is just me wanting to do my part to help this team try and get one.”