Big news for New York Knicks fans! Jalen Brunson has officially signed a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension with the team on Friday. This move comes as a strategic play to keep the Knicks competitive in the intense NBA landscape.
According to Brunson's agent, Sam Rose of CAA, the 2024 All-NBA Second Team and All-Star guard agreed to take a whopping $113 million less than he was eligible to sign for a year from now. By opting for this more modest extension, Brunson is providing the Knicks with the financial flexibility they need to make other key moves.
Brunson initially joined the Knicks on a four-year, $104 million deal in June 2022, with two years left on that contract. His new extension helps the team maintain their payroll below the second-apron level of the salary cap, giving them more room to maneuver for additional transactions and strengthen their roster.
Speaking of roster moves, the Knicks have been busy! They traded for Mikal Bridges, sending Bojan Bogdanovic and four unprotected first-round NBA Draft picks for 2025, 2027, 2029, and 2031. Additionally, they secured a protected 2025 first-rounder via the Milwaukee Bucks and an unprotected 2028 first-round swap to the Brooklyn Nets in June. Not to mention, they retained OG Anunoby on a five-year, $212.5 million deal.
All these moves signal the Knicks' commitment to building a strong, competitive team for the future. With Brunson's leadership and the new additions, Knicks fans have a lot to be excited about this season!
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Brunson takes pay cut in his new deal for Knicks to stay competitive
cgtn.com