Jalen Brunson's Future with the Knicks: A Closer Look
Jalen Brunson's journey with the New York Knicks has been nothing short of transformative, and his commitment to the team is a topic of great interest for fans. Under contract until 2029, Brunson's player option for the 2028-29 season and eligibility for an extension in 2027 keep the conversation about his future buzzing.
Back in 2024, Brunson inked a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension, opting for $113 million less guaranteed than he could have received. Recently, he expressed hope that the Knicks would "do right by him" on his next deal, a sentiment that resonates with fans eager to see him remain in New York.
Currently, Brunson is averaging an impressive 26.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists over 54 games, propelling the Knicks to a 37-22 record and a strong third-place standing in the Eastern Conference.
Brunson Reassures Knicks Fans
In a conversation with the New York Post, Brunson aimed to reassure Knicks supporters by declaring his desire to stay with the team long-term. "I would love to be here for the rest of my career.
I love this place," he shared. He praised the welcoming environment and the support he has received since joining the team, emphasizing his deep connection to the city and its fans.
Brunson arrived in New York in 2022 as a free agent following a standout season and playoff run with the Dallas Mavericks. His impact was immediate, leading the Knicks to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons-a remarkable turnaround for a franchise that had only seen the postseason once in the previous nine years.
Brunson's Transformative Impact
During his last season with Dallas, Brunson averaged 16.3 points in the regular season, with an impressive boost to 21.6 points in the playoffs. This performance secured him a four-year, $104 million deal with the Knicks, a decision that quickly proved wise as the team improved by ten wins and Brunson finished 12th in MVP voting.
With Brunson at the helm, the Knicks have shown consistent growth, winning 50 games in his second season and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals after a 51-win campaign. This season, they're on track for another 50-win year, with aspirations set on an NBA Finals appearance.
Winning the NBA Cup demonstrated the team's potential to rise to big occasions, though history reminds us that previous NBA Cup champions have stumbled in the first round. The Knicks, however, are determined to defy that trend and make a deeper playoff run. Brunson's leadership and performance will be crucial in achieving those lofty goals.