Josh Hart reacts to Jalen Brunson's contract extension

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts with guard Josh Hart (3). Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Knicks' Josh Hart reacts to Jalen Brunson's team-friendly contract extension

By Jeff Smith | Last updated Jul 12, 2024 9:16 PM ET

Jalen Brunson made the ultimate "team-first" decision on Friday, agreeing to terms on a four-year, $156.5M contract extension with the New York Knicks. While just over $39M per year is a big number, Brunson could have waited until next offseason and received an additional $113M but instead opted to effectively leave that money on the table for the good of the team.

It's a huge help to the Knicks from a salary standpoint and allows them to continue building a strong core capable of contending for a title. Brunson's decision was arguably the most selfless in NBA history. Following the news, Brunson's teammate and good friend Josh Hart was among the people to heap praise on Brunson, with the 29-year-old immediately calling for a statue to be built for the star guard.

Build him a statue
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) July 12, 2024

Brunson is fresh off the best season of his NBA career, as the 27-year-old averaged 28.7 points, 6.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from three-point range during the regular season. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team, made his first NBA All-Star appearance and averaged a stellar 32.4 points per game over the Knicks' 13 playoff games last season.

The statue won't come anytime soon for Brunson, but if his upward trajectory continues and he leads the Knicks to the promised land, don't be surprised if there's one after he wraps up his NBA career.

Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith has extensive experience as a sports writer and editor, including stops at ESPN, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, USA TODAY SMG, and Heavy. Jeff's passion for sports content starts and finishes with writing and he's grateful to be able to work in that field on a daily basis.

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