It was recently reported that the New York Knicks and their star point guard, Jalen Brunson, could work out an extension during the 2024 NBA offseason. It was something that Brunson was reportedly open to getting done, which would be a great outcome for the Knicks.
This summer, Brunson is eligible for a four-year, $156.5 million extension. That is a nice raise from the four-year, $104 million deal that he is currently playing on, which was panned by many analysts at the time of signing.
Locking in a long-term deal is likely something that Brunson and the team would love to do. However, in the opinion of Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, the four-year, $156.5 million deal isn’t likely going to be signed by Brunson because he’d be leaving a ton of money on the table.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Brunson & New York Knicks Updates
“Waiting until 2025 when he can become an unrestricted free agent would be far more lucrative for Brunson, who made just $6.1 million over his first four seasons after being selected in the second round by the Mavs.
Brunson will be able to sign for 30 percent of the 2025-26 salary cap that could reach as high as $155.1 million, according to Spotrac.com. This would mean a first-year salary of $46.5 million and a total contract of over $270 million overall,” Swartz wrote in a piece from April 7th.
Given some of the other incentives that NBA players can earn based on All-Star and All-NBA appearances, it would make sense for Brunson to wait. In that scenario, he could maximize his earnings, as Swartz suggested.
However, what it will come down to for Brunson is whether he wants long-term security or to earn the most money. Signing an extension this upcoming summer would have him under contract for six more seasons, providing the Knicks with the ability to recruit other players knowing Brunson isn’t going anywhere.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Brunson & New York Knicks Updates
For as long as he has been in the NBA, winning has been Brunson’s No. 1 goal. That could be put to the test because if he looks to squeeze every dollar possible out of his next contract, it could impact New York’s ability to round out the roster alongside him.
Leon Rose has done a great job keeping the Knicks’ salary cap clean, as they have maneuverability and flexibility in the future. A deal will eventually come for Brunson, it is just a matter of when, as the timing could mean the difference between as much as $120 million based on Swartz’s numbers.
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