Jalen Brunson isn't going to let the New York Knicks forget that he gave them a massive discount this summer.
The Knicks on Thursday held a press conference to celebrate Brunson being named team captain. It was also Brunson's first press conference since agreeing to a four-year, $156 million extension.
That extension, of course, is one of the Knicks' biggest moves of the summer. Had Brunson waited one more season to become a free agent, he would have been eligible for a five-year, $269 million contract.
Brunson essentially took a $113 million discount to lock in money now and help the Knicks build their roster.
During the lavish event, which included Knicks legends, a Brunson tribute video narrated by Patrick Ewing, and a montage of well-wishes from legendary New York athletes, the team presented a check to Brunson's Second Round foundation.
As emcee Alan Hahn said "the check is for," Brunson cut him off and quipped, "$113 million?"
Brunson grinned and may have gotten some laughs, but as Hahn later said, he couldn't hear Brunson's comment in real-time.
The reverb in my ear caused me to miss that line at first but he told me at the end. Epic. https://t.co/ocL4VOdaNF
— Alan Hahn (@alanhahn) August 8, 2024
Perhaps that discount is why the Knicks threw such a party. After all, being named team captain is hardly a rare, prestigious honor. The last Knicks captain was Lance Thomas, who averaged 6 points per game across six, playoff-less seasons with the Knicks.
Indeed, the event had the energy of a franchise trying to make its superstar feel prized.
Brunson seems well aware that he did the Knicks a big favor, and the Knicks seem intent on trying to thank him every way they can.
