Jalen Brunson revealed precisely how his priorities aligned together with his $156.5 million extension, a deal that felt unprecedented in its sacrifice as a result of the purpose guard might’ve signed for $113 million extra subsequent summer time.
“Precedence A, I secured I believe a good sum of money to help myself and my household, my prolonged household within the present time. I didn’t have to attend a 12 months,” mentioned Brunson, who’s at present on the $104 million deal he signed in 2022. “Like I mentioned, so much can occur in a 12 months. Everybody on this room has seen so much occur in a 12 months when gamers wait out. In order that’s one factor. No. 2 — I might like to be right here, I wish to be right here the remainder of my profession.
“And successful trumps the whole lot I do individually. Like I mentioned, while you win as a group, people can develop from that. That’s on the entrance of my thoughts always — what can I do to win?”
The “successful” aspect to the contract is the way in which it maintains Brunson’s wage at a low sufficient determine — his common wage is about $37.5 million within the first three seasons — to spice up the probabilities of preserving the Knicks away from the dreaded second tax apron.
If the Knicks — who’re paying the group’s highest salaries subsequent season to OG Anunoby and Julius Randle — fall within the second apron, they’d be restricted in trades and free company.
Cap flexibility might be vital to constructing a championship contender, and Brunson acknowledged he studied the documentaries of Tom Brady and Derek Jeter earlier than making his resolution.
“First, Tom Brady and Derek Jeter are in a category of their very own. I’m not saying I’m part of that class. Second, these dudes are the epitome of successful. They did no matter it took to win. That was on the forefront of their minds,” mentioned Brunson, who was launched Thursday at MSG as the most recent Knicks group captain. “I simply knew if I did this, it might give us plenty of flexibility and put us in place to win.
“And I do know that lots of people don’t agree with it. Lots of people are saying it’s not the good factor from a private standpoint. However I simply know — I’m comfy right here. That is residence for me. I don’t fear about what anyone else says, what they assume. That’s their opinion. They’ll have it.”
Brunson could make up a lot of the cash if he indicators a giant deal after the extension in 2028.
However even when he maxes out contracts the remainder of his profession, Brunson might by no means recoup the $37.1 million distinction from the primary three years of the extension versus the primary three years of the theoretical $269.1 million 2025 free company deal.
Cash in hand, location and successful took priorities.
“I believe anybody who is aware of me, is aware of what I’m about,” Brunson mentioned. “So if anyone did name me to inform me to [not take the extension], they’re most likely not my friends. I take into consideration each resolution I make. And I’m fully comfy with what I’ve accomplished. Clearly, I’m properly off. Myself and my household, we’re clearly properly off. That’s in the beginning. However I wish to win. I wish to win right here.”
Brunson made mild of the monetary sacrifice Thursday when introduced a examine from the Knicks for his charity group, the Second Spherical Basis.
“Is it for $113 million?” Brunson joked.
Not fairly. It was $20,000.
