A new report claims that New York Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson would be open to the idea of talking about a contract extension with the playoff-bound NBA club.
When the Knicks gave Jalen Brunson a massive contract two summers ago, there were obvious concerns among the fanbase. Not just because some wondered if he benefitted by playing with an elite star like Luka Doncic, but because the organization has a long history of failed free-agent signings.
- Current Jalen Brunson contract: 4 years, $104 million (Two years left on deal)
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However, the 27-year-old has been even better than organized. During the 2022-23 season, Brunson proved he has All-Star talent, but in leading the team to a second straight trip to the playoffs he has shown that he is deserving of MVP consideration in 2023-24. He is one of the rare players who not only plays at an elite level but is a leader and seems to make his teammates better.
Without a doubt, he has been the top success story for the regime led by Knicks president Leon Rose, and considering his value to the team it might behoove the organization to lock him up to a new long-term deal now instead of later. Well, it seems like the team may get that opportunity very soon.
During an appearance this week on the SNY’s “The Putback” podcast, Newsday’s NBA insider Steve Popper reported that he “heard whispers that Jalen Brunson would be open to discussions to do [an extension] this summer.”
How much could a Jalen Brunson contract extension cost the New York Knicks?
Ahead of possible contract extension talks in the offseason, Jalen Brunson has a whole bunch of leverage. In his first two seasons with the organization he will have taken them on consecutive trips to the NBA playoffs, and with how the team is playing right now it isn’t completely out of the question that they could reach the Eastern Conference Finals in May.
He is third in the league in scoring heading into the NBA games today, in the top 15 in assists, and almost broke the franchise’s single-game scoring record when he scored 61 last week. While he may not get paid in the top 10 of the league, he likely will be pretty close.
A Jalen Brunson contract extension could look similar to recent new deals for Jimmy Butler (3 years, $146 million) and Fred VanVleet (3 years, $128 million). Bruson is better than VanVleet but not quite at Butler’s level just yet. So a deal for three more years and $136 million seems logical to keep Brunson in blue and orange for the next five seasons. Also taking out his player option for next season could be included in the pact.
- Jalen Brunson stats (2023-24): 27.9 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 6.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 40% 3PT
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