Jalen Brunson has been named team captain by the New York Knicks after accepting a $113 million reduction in potential salary.
With two seasons of working together, it is evident that both the team and player have faith in each other. They now have the opportunity to continue building on this partnership and achieve even greater success. “This is just the beginning,” Brunson stated on Thursday.
To honour Brunson, the Knicks held a special event at Madison Square Garden with appearances from former Knicks legend Patrick Ewing and celebrity fan Ben Stiller. Ewing shared a video of him and Brunson when he was a young boy, as his father Rick was playing for the Knicks at the time. “People are naturally drawn to you, Jalen,” Ewing said in the video. “You are a natural leader.”
This was one of the reasons why the Knicks signed Brunson in 2022, in addition to his playing abilities. Coach Tom Thibodeau, who had Rick Brunson as his assistant coach in both Chicago and New York, observed Brunson’s growth and how he was a role model for other players.
However, some may question Brunson’s financial decision this summer. He signed a four-year contract extension worth around $156.5 million, but if he had waited until next season and become a free agent, he could have earned a five-year, $269 million contract. Although some players have accepted less than their maximum salary, it’s difficult to turn down an extra $113 million. “I consider every decision carefully and I am completely content with my choices,” Brunson stated. “My family and I are financially secure, and that is the most important thing. However, I am also determined to win. I want to win here.”
Brunson’s financial sacrifice makes it easier for the Knicks to build a winning team, especially with stricter penalties for teams over the salary cap in the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement. The Knicks have also signed OG Anunoby to a five-year deal worth over $210 million and traded for Mikal Bridges, while Julius Randle is also eligible for an extension. Therefore, Brunson does not regret his decision. “Winning is more important than my individual achievements,” Brunson said.
Since Brunson’s move from the Dallas Mavericks, the Knicks have made progress. They have reached the Eastern Conference semifinals in the last two seasons, something they had not done since 2013, and have won consecutive playoff series for the first time since 1992-2000. Brunson averaged 28.7 points per game for last season’s 50-win team, placing fourth in the NBA. He was also selected for his first All-Star team, came fifth in the NBA MVP voting, and performed tremendously in the playoffs, becoming the first player since Michael Jordan to score 40 or more points in four consecutive postseason games.
However, Brunson’s focus is on breaking his hand during the second half of the Knicks’ Game 7 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the second round of last season. The Knicks have constructed a team that they believe can go further, and Brunson is eager to lead them. He has studied successful players such as Derek Jeter of the Yankees and Tom Brady of the Patriots, who have led their franchises to multiple championships and are known for their team-first approach. “People can say a lot of things, but it’s their actions that matter,” Brunson explained. “This is not a guarantee that we will win a championship. I simply want to do my part in helping this team achieve one. It’s all about the journey, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.”
