NBA
Why did Jalen Brunson accepted contract reduction with the New York Knicks?
The New York Knicks point guard renewed his contract a year early and waived over $100 million to help the team build a competitive squad.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Jalen Brunson, who made a name for himself during the last NBA regular season and playoffs, appears to have revealed his future plans. Despite being injured and unable to participate in the Eastern Conference finals against the Boston Celtics, Brunson, who played a key role in the success of the New York Knicks, has decided to remain with the team.
The New York Knicks have signed him and aim to surround him with high-caliber teammates in hopes of contending for the NBA championship in the 2024-2025 season.
Less money for Jalen, more money for quality teammates
According to ESPN, Brunson has reached a four-year renewal agreement with the New York Knicks for $156.5 million. The New Jersey point guard, far from pushing to get the maximum, has forgiven more than 100 million dollars to the franchise that he will lead in the coming years so that it has enough salary margin to make a guaranteed team.
The New Jersey player could have waited one more season to negotiate with the Knicks a more generous agreement for 269.1 million and five years, but he was surprised by advancing that negotiation and ensuring that he would have a star salary and a team of guarantees at his side and around him.
According to ESPN, by now accepting 156.5 million for four years, Brunson is giving up 37.1 million in total in the first three years of his new contract. The move provides the Knicks with much-needed salary cap flexibility as they strive for their first NBA championship win since 1973.
“Jalen signing his extension to remain with the Knicks for the long-term shows the dedication and passion he has for the organization, the fans, and this city,” president of the Knicks, Leon Rose, praised Jalen for his leadership and sacrifices for the team and its fans.