All-Star guard Jalen Brunson is open to discussing a contract extension with the New York Knicks in the upcoming summer, as reported by Newsday’s Steve Popper.
Popper mentioned on “The Putback with Ian Begley” on April 4 that there are rumors of Jalen Brunson being willing to negotiate an extension this summer.
According to ESPN’s front office insider Bobby Marks, Brunson will be able to sign a $156.5 million extension for four years starting on July 12. Since he joined the Knicks as a free agent in 2022, he is not eligible for a supermax extension.
“I mean, obviously that’s a thing that you want to have, security,” Brunson told Newsday on March 27. “But I’m just focusing on finishing the season, doing the best we can to make sure everyone’s back healthy and just doing my part. That’s at the forefront of my mind and I’ll worry about that stuff later.”
In his first two seasons with the New York Knicks, Brunson has surpassed expectations. The $104 million contract he signed in the 2022 free agency is now considered the best deal in the NBA.
During the previous season, the first-time All-Star guided the Knicks to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in a decade. He had an average of 24.0 points and 6.2 assists, which was then his career high.
In the current season, he secured his first All-Star spot while on track to score new career highs in points (27.9) and assists (6.6). This has helped the injured Knicks secure a consecutive postseason spot.
The Knicks are currently two games away from the second seed in the Eastern Conference with six games remaining.
Erik Spoelstra Believes Jalen Brunson is Having an Outstanding Season
Although Brunson is not part of the NBA.com’s top 10 MVP candidates but Miami Heat , coach Erik Spoelstra thinks the Knicks star should be considered for the title.
“He’s having an MVP-type season,” Spoelstra stated to reporters, as per New York Post. “He’s performing at a level where you cannot overlook his contributions.”
Spoelstra, voted by the general managers as the top coach in the NBA regarding motivating players, in-game adjustments and the best defensive schemes, described how difficult it was to contain Brunson to 20 points on a 5 of 18 shooting night during their 109-99 victory against the Knicks on April 2.
Spoelstra told reporters after the game, “It is difficult because you limit his movements and then they have three-point shooters to support him.” Spoelstra elaborated after the game that high-caliber players compel you to defend with a second defender and sometimes a third, leading to disarray. However, Brunson’s exceptional skills make it extremely challenging. You need to remain unwavering and disciplined, and still, he may make shots even under such circumstances.”
Jalen Brunson Overcomes Kings’ Defense
Following his unusual performance in the defeat to the Heat, Brunson showcased an outstanding performance against the Sacramento Kings two days later.
Brunson dissected the Kings’ defense by making 12 of 20 shots and converting 9 of 10 free throws.
“He has exceptional mental and physical strength for a guard. You can hit him, knock him down, foul him, and he’ll keep going and play through it,”
Kings coach Mike Brown informed the press
following the game. “He’s not avoiding contact at all. He knows which shots he can make and he positions himself well because he’s determined mentally, physically, and strong. … The only solution is to double team [him]. And when they did, Brunson relied on his teammates to make the right play. Josh Hart (31 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists) and
Isaiah Hartenstein
(7 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds) served as his safety valves off the pick-and-roll. In addition to Brunson’s contract negotiations, the Knicks will also need to manage the unrestricted free agency of Hartenstein and Precious Achiuwa
will also become a restricted free agent while OG Anunoby. Julius Randle will also be eligible for a contract extension, although his season-ending injury may postpone those discussions until next summer. New York Knicks: Jalen Brunson open to discussing contract extension. Discover more about the guard’s eligibility and potential contract choices. will also be eligible for an extension though his season-ending injury may delay those talks to next summer.
