Jalen Brunson Expected To Turn Down Knicks Contract Extension, Here's Why!

Put yourself in Jalen Brunson's shoes, would you go ahead and sign a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension with the New York Knicks this summer or would you wait until you become a restricted free agent in 2025 and would be eligible to bring home a contract valued over $270 million?

The first-time All-Star is not expected to jump on it despite reports he is open to discuss this summer, according to Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz.

“Waiting until 2025 when he can become an unrestricted free agent would be far more lucrative for Brunson, who made just $6.1 million over his first four seasons after being selected in the second round by the Mavs.

Brunson will be able to sign for 30 percent of the 2025-26 salary cap that could reach as high as $155.1 million, according to Spotrac.com. This would mean a first-year salary of $46.5 million and a total contract of over $270 million overall,” Swartz wrote on April 7.

Brunson is now 27 years old has had an outstanding season and is averaging 28.0 points, 6.7 assists in 35.2 minutes, which are career-highs, this season. He is also on track to make it to one of the three All-NBA teams this season while leading the Knicks to their second straight postseason.

The loan-term rub is due for $24.9 million next season, which will only rank 17th in the league among all point guards, per Spotrac.

According to Newsday’s Steve Popper, Brunson is open to discussing an extension this summer.

“I’ve heard whispers that Jalen Brunson would be open to discussions to do [an extension] this summer,” Popper said on “The Putback with Ian Begley” on April 4.

“I mean, obviously that’s a thing that you want to have, security,” Brunson told Newsday on March 27. “But I’m just focusing on finishing the season, doing the best we can to make sure everyone’s back healthy and just doing my part. That’s at the forefront of my mind and I’ll worry about that stuff later.”

Clearly, Brunson is peaking at the right time with the NBA playoffs right around the corner. He was named NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month in March and he is off to an even better start in start in April.

In his first three games in April, Brunson is averaging 30 points and 10.7 assists. He has produced three straight double-doubles. Brunson’s improved playmaking is forcing teams to double and triple-team him which is having very little effect. 

“It’s been happening a lot more, so obviously I have more reps,” Brunson told reporters after their 120-109 win over the Sacramento Kings, per The Athletic. “So it’s becoming more and more comfortable and easier. And I just know that I have trust in my teammates to make plays.”

THE UNDERRATED LINE
Brunson has bet on himself before, turning down a smaller contract to stay with the Mavs becoming the first second-round pick in NBA history to sign a six-figure free-agent contract with the Knicks in the summer of 2022. 

So what will Brunson do? Take the money this summer or wait until 2025? I’m willing to bet he will bet on himself again and turn down this summer's offer, opting for a significantly larger piece of the pie in the summer of 2025.