Jalen Brunson On Taking $113 Million Discount With Knicks: ‘I’m Completely Comfortable With What I’ve Done’

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson told NBA reporters that he’s “completely comfortable” with his decision to leave $113 million on the table. 

Brunson signed a four-year, $156 million extension with the Knicks this offseason. He left over $113 million on the table by not signing an extension next offseason. 

“I think about every decision that I make and I’m completely comfortable with what I’ve done,” Brunson said, via ESPN. “Obviously I’m well off, myself and my family, we’re obviously well off, so that’s first and foremost. But I want to win. I want to win here.”

Brunson will make $24.9 million next season. He averaged 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists for the Knicks in 2023-24 while shooting 47.9% from the field, 40.1% from beyond the arc and 84.7% from the free-throw line. 

In Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Brunson fractured his left hand against the Indiana Pacers. He finished the 2024 playoffs with averages of 32.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 7.5 assists against the Philadelphia 76ers and Pacers. 

Brunson has career averages of 16.9 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists with the Dallas Mavericks and Knicks. He was the 33rd overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Villanova.

“People can say they want to do a lot of things, but it’s all about their actions,” Brunson said. “Obviously this is no guarantee that we win a championship, right? This is just me wanting to do my part to help this team try and get one. So it’s all about the journey and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

The Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and re-signed OG Anunoby this offseason.

New York is expected to compete for the title next season with Brunson, Bridges, Julius Randle, Anunoby, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo leading the way. 

“Winning trumps everything that I do individually,” Brunson said.