Knicks' Jalen Brunson shows team-first mentality with contract extension

Thibodeau has instilled a team-first mentality within the Knicks. You can see it in the way they approach the court. Everyone sacrifices for the good of the team. New York is committed to playing a physically draining brand of defense. It hunts the best shot available on every offensive possession. 

Brunson has been a significant part of that mentality. His arrival in New York was a catalyst in the franchise's growth toward being one of the best teams in the NBA. By accepting a team-friendly deal, he embodies Thibodeau's team-first mindset. He's leading by example. And by doing so, he's giving the Knicks front office the best shot at keeping the current roster together for years to come. 

"The repercussions of Brunson choosing the four-year, $156.5 million max deal over the five-year, $269.1 million deal in 2025 are massive for the Knicks' ability to keep this team together and keep making roster moves to close the gap on a championship," Wojnarowski reported. "Brunson's deal keeps the Knicks out of the second-apron level of the salary cap, a punitive threshold that severely limits a team's ability to make trades, sign players and use draft picks."

The Knicks are expected to be a major player in the East next season. Removing speculation over Brunson's future will allow the team to move forward without any potential distractions. He is committed to winning with the franchise and has proven himself to be a true leader by leaving money on the table so that the team can stick together moving forward.

The Knicks have a lot to be excited about. Brunson's selflessness has ensured that excitement could potentially stretch into the latter part of the decade.