When Mike Brown was asked about Jalen Brunson‘s role with this New York Knicks squad, the veteran head coach turned heads by comparing the guard’s leadership style to none other than Tim Duncan and Stephen Curry.
To the casual observer, critics argued that Brunson’s postseason stat line of 26.9 points and 6.6 assists per game while shooting 48.6 percent from the field and 83.9 percent from the charity stripe was just empty production. Even JB’s absurd career playoff average of 25.4 points across 67 postseason appearances wasn’t enough to satisfy the skeptics.
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However, Brown wasn’t just talking about the box score; he was talking about an unprecedented level of selflessness. In the summer of 2024, Brunson became eligible to sign a five-year, $269 million maximum extension. Instead, he shocked the basketball world by inking a four-year, $156.6 million deal. By turning down the max, the former Villanova Wildcat left exactly $113 million on the table — a sacrifice that had Matt Barnes giving him his flowers.
“In a day and age where guys, rightfully so, want all of their money, he took a huge haircut — a huge haircut, nearly $100 million, $113 million to be exact, holy shit — to make sure this core can stay together,” Barnes stressed on the “All the Smoke” podcast. “He wanted that money to go to guys and be able to build a good team around him, and it should show a lot of other stars out there that, sometimes, you have to make these types of sacrifices.
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“So, you can’t say enough good things about Jalen Brunson and what he’s been able to do to prove all the non-believers wrong, to be clutch, and they’re here,” he added. “And I know Knicks fans are going crazy. I didn’t get a chance to see the postgame because I was on the airplane last night, but I’m sure they were trying to tear down the Statue of Liberty.”
Brunson earned “only” $13 million this season
Now, a 6-foot-2 guard signing a $156 million contract means he is securely set up for life. On paper, losing out on $113 million is a hit most people assume a superstar can easily absorb. But a closer look at the financial realities of an NBA superstar reveals just how steep that pay cut actually was.
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Out of his base salary, Brunson faces a 37 percent federal income tax bracket, topped by New York’s aggressive state and city taxes, which take another 10 percent. On top of that, the NBA places 10 percent of player salaries in escrow, meaning if league revenue falls short, that money is gone forever. Factor in a standard five percent agent fee, and a $35 million annual salary quickly morphs into roughly $13 million in take-home pay.
When you break down the real take-home numbers, walking away from an extra $113 million is a staggering financial gamble. Yet, JB didn’t blink, giving the front office the exact financial flexibility needed to surround him with championship-caliber pieces like Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges.
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While armchair general managers initially questioned whether that money could have been allocated differently, the critics have been officially silenced. Madison Square Garden is hosting the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years, riding the high of an active 11-game postseason win streak.
The Knicks, who already captured the NBA Cup earlier this season, have no intention of slowing down. From today’s perspective, Brunson’s financial pivot looks absolutely visionary. He systematically prioritized a Larry O’Brien trophy over an immediate max payout.
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JB will be eligible to sign a massive $417.8 million contract
Don’t paint the three-time All-Star as a financial loser just yet, though. If he plays out the entirety of his current contract and hits unrestricted free agency in 2029, he will put himself in line for a monster five-year max contract worth an estimated $417.8 million. If signed, it would mark the single largest contract in league history.
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For now, contracts and cap space are the furthest thing from the mind of the two-time NCAA champ.
Jalen and his squad are kicking their feet up, waiting to see who emerges from the Western Conference finals clash between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs. If Brunson completes the mission and delivers the holy grail back to Mecca, he’ll have a lifetime to count his money.
Suddenly, those Brown comparisons to Duncan and Curry don’t seem far-fetched at all.
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This story was originally published by Basketball Network on May 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.