Jalen Brunson looked to the NFL for inspiration when it came to his next contract.
Brunson reportedly agreed to a four-year, $156 million extension with the New York Knicks on Friday. The deal is a major discount for the Knicks. If Brunson waited one year to become a free agent next summer, he would have been eligible for a five-year, $269 million contract.
According to multiple reports, Brunson's extension was done with the idea of helping the Knicks continue to build a championship contender.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Brunson was inspired by Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, both of whom have taken less or structured their contracts in ways to help their teams build.
"Brunson's study of championship organizations and franchise stars --Patrick Mahomes' Kansas City Chiefs, the Tom Brady New England Patriots and the Derek Jeter New York Yankees -- gave him a blueprint for MVP-level players who structured contracts to give their teams the best chances at sustainable title runs."
Under the NBA's new, harsh CBA and its cap "aprons," the Knicks will have difficult financial decisions to make down the road. OG Anunoby signed a $212 million contract this summer. Julius Randle becomes extension-eligible in August and will be looking for a raise. Mikal Bridges will be extension-eligible next summer.
If the Knicks hit the second apron, they'll be severely limited in making trades or adding players in free agency. Every dollar counts. By signing a discount extension, Brunson could help the Knicks pay other players, keep the team together for longer, or add players in the future. Brunson, who has said his goal is to win a championship in New York, seemingly knows that taking less money could help him reach that goal.
