Jalen Brunson’s message to Knicks fans is simple.
Brunson has $113 million in cash on hand after signing a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension rather than waiting until next summer to sign a max contract. Posted a Statue of Liberty emoji on X account Friday night.
There was already a lot of love between Brunson and Knicks fans during his two years at MSG, but that love reached a new level just before 5 p.m. Friday when ESPN broke the news that Brunson would be waiving his five-year, $270 million contract next year to sign an extension on the first day he was eligible to do so.
The move gives the Knicks some much-needed cap flexibility as they attempt to take the next step toward winning their first NBA championship since 1973.
The 27-year-old Brunson is the star point guard the Knicks have long coveted, and he has blossomed into an All-Star this year, averaging 28.7 points, 6.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game.
“Jalen’s signing a contract extension to remain with the Knicks for the long term demonstrates the commitment and passion he has for our team, our fans and this city,” Knicks president Leon Rose said in a statement. “Jalen calls the Knicks family, and we couldn’t be prouder that he will be representing us in our orange and blue uniform for years to come.”
“Jalen has embraced every challenge since coming to New York and has been committed to the vision and plans we have laid out for the future of this team from day one. Since joining the team two years ago, Jalen has always led by example and demonstrated his willingness to sacrifice for this organization, his teammates and the entire Knicks family.”
Since their second-round playoff exit, the Knicks have had a big offseason, acquiring Brunson’s former Villanova teammate Mikal Bridges from the Nets in a blockbuster trade that reunited them with fellow Wildcats players Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo.
The Knicks also re-signed OG Anunoby to a five-year, $212.5 million contract.
They still need a center and a backup point guard after Isaiah Hartenstein left for the Thunder.
