New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Brunson considering signing contract extension with Knicks

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Jul 8, 2024 8:59 PM ET

Point guard Jalen Brunson is reportedly pondering whether or not to make a huge sacrifice to help the New York Knicks in the near future.

The Knicks can offer Brunson a four-year, $157M contract extension beginning Friday. The All-Star guard is said to be considering the deal, according to The Athletic’s Fred Katz.

Brunson’s new offer would give him a significant raise over the four-year, $104M deal he signed with the Knicks in 2022. But if Brunson waits a year, he would be eligible for a max contract worth $269.1M over five years as a free agent.

The Knicks can offer a 4-year, $157M extension to Jalen Brunson this Friday, and he is reportedly considering signing it, per @FredKatz.

If he decides to not sign it, he can sign a 5-year, $269M next summer. (via @RealGM) pic.twitter.com/NJA5vPUz7d

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 8, 2024

Brunson would be foregoing over $100M in guaranteed money if he opts to sign the deal that will almost surely be on the table later this week.

Brunson is considering the deal for two reasons, per the report. The first is security. The 6-foot-1 guard is said to consider the Knicks as his “family” and that he has no intention of playing anywhere else. Locking in an extension now eliminates worrying about his contract situation for the rest of his prime years.

The second is reportedly due to the new second apron rules. With the immense penalties imposed on teams who pay the luxury tax, Brunson may want to help his team steer clear of having trouble keeping its current roster intact.

Brunson was one of last season’s breakout superstars. He averaged 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game on 47.9% shooting from the field.

Brunson made a handful of big plays throughout the 2023-24 season. But none would be more bigger than giving the Knicks a potential nine-figure discount.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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