Jalen Brunson told Vanity Fair he hopes the New York Knicks reward his team-friendly approach, saying, “Obviously we’d love for them to do right by me. I feel like I sacrificed.”
Brunson took a $113 million discount on his current four-year, $156 million deal, giving the Knicks more salary cap flexibility while securing financial stability for his family.
The 29-year-old point guard is averaging 27.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this season, shooting 47.0% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range. He continues to serve as the offensive centerpiece alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby.
Brunson emphasized that playing without salary pressure allows him to perform at his best, stating, “If I’m thinking about playing well to make sure I get paid, that could mess with me. I play best when I have a free mind.”
His performance has helped the Knicks maintain a 35-20 record, currently third in the Eastern Conference behind the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics. Brunson’s leadership has been critical during the team’s push for home-court advantage in the playoffs.
Looking ahead, he will be eligible for a five-year, $417.8 million deal in 2028, at age 32, an age when guards often see declines in performance. Brunson remains optimistic the Knicks will honor his earlier sacrifice with a contract reflecting his contributions.
In addition to scoring, Brunson averages 6.1 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game while keeping turnovers low at 2.2 per contest.
