LAS VEGAS — Jalen Brunson has rejoined the New York Knicks long-term.
A league source confirmed Brunson and the organization agreed to a four-year, $156.5 million extension. Athletic. The deal begins in the 2025-26 season and includes a player option for a fourth year. ESPN was first in the news.
The All-Star point guard has mulled the possibility of picking up an extension for several months, though the Knicks weren’t allowed to offer him one until July 12, exactly two years after he signed his current deal with the team. But even if Brunson didn’t technically see the deal, he knew what was coming. His soon-to-be new contract is the largest allowable extension the Knicks can propose.
Even if New York offered what it could on an extension, re-signing now isn’t the most lucrative route Brunson could have taken. Had he signed a new contract through 2025, he would have been eligible for a max contract worth $269 million over five years. But other circumstances encouraged Branson to opt for a contract that guaranteed him about $113 million less.
as Athletic In detail earlier this week, Brunson focused on two factors: safety and success.
The extension is locked in nine figures today. Meanwhile, agreeing to less money now could help the Knicks’ efforts to stay under the second apron in 2025-26.
Taking less money doesn’t mean saving franchise dollars. The new collective bargaining agreement is more restrictive than any other in the league’s history. Now, being too expensive robs the team of resources.
Branson’s low annual salary helps the Knicks drop below the second apron, especially at $207.8 million in 2025-26. If the Knicks go over $207.8 million in payroll, they will lose access to the midlevel exception, trade exceptions and be unable to make a variety of trades. There aren’t nearly as many ways to improve an organization with championship ambitions.
The extension is another splash move by the Knicks, who earlier in the offseason traded five first-round picks, including four unprotected ones, for Mikal Bridges.
Branson, 27, made his first All-Star team in 2023-24, though his accolades don’t end there. He finished fifth in MVP voting and made the All-NBA Second Team after helping the Knicks to 50 wins and the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed. With multiple injuries, New York lost to the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the playoffs.
Brunson averaged 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists. He finished fourth in the NBA in scoring.
(Photo by Jalen Brunson: NBAE via Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images)
