Jalen Brunson on Knicks contract: ‘Simple… actions speak louder than words alone’ | News, scores, highlights, stats & rumors

Brunson’s decision to sign an extension was somewhat surprising, considering he would be eligible for the maximum five-year, $269 million extension at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

Instead, Brunson left another $113 million on the table so he could cement his long-term commitment to the organization and create room to make other moves.

The Knicks took full advantage of Brunson’s largesse by re-signing OG Anunoby and acquiring forward Mikal Bridges in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets.

Despite battling injuries to key players, the Knicks had the second-best record in the Eastern Conference last season at 50-32 and reached Game 7 of the second round of the playoffs.

With Bridges joining the core of Brunson, Anunoby, Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and Hart, the Knicks are widely regarded as the second-most talented team in the East, behind the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics.

Brunson, who rose to superstardom after signing a four-year contract with the Knicks in 2022, has played a huge role in the Knicks’ revival.

After the Knicks missed the playoffs in 2021-22, Brunson led them to the second round of the playoffs in two straight years.

He’s also coming off a banner year that saw him finish fifth in NBA MVP voting, averaging 28.7 points, 6.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 2.7 three-pointers made per game.

Brunson could have asked for a lot more in a new contract if he had waited, but he’s clearly happy in New York and wanted to do whatever he could to help the Knicks win their first championship since 1973.