Breaking: Jalen Brunson Makes "Unprecedented" Contract Decision

In a stunning development, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks has decided to sign a four-year, $156 million extension — but in doing so, has sacrificed a massive $113 million that would have been available to him if he had waited until next summer.

In a largely unprecedented financial concession to give roster flexibility to a contender, New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson has agreed on a four-year, $156.5 million extension, his agent Sam Rose of CAA tells ESPN --- $113M less guaranteed than he’s eligible to receive in one… pic.twitter.com/DDJvz7TUlr
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 12, 2024

As noted by Adrian Wojnarowski, this is a "largely unprecedented financial concession" by Brunson, and it was done to give the Knicks extra roster flexibility and cap space to add to the team, as it becomes a major contending force in the Eastern Conference.

A major factor in Jalen Brunson’s decision to sign 4yr/$156M extension instead of waiting to ink potential 5yr/$270M deal next summer is his desire to give New York the best chance to build out its roster, SNY sources say. The move obviously gives NYK significant financial relief
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 12, 2024

Brunson's annual salary on his new deal will be $39 million, whereas he could have been earning $54 million if he had waited for the max deal next summer.

One would be hard-pressed to remember a time another pro athlete sacrificed that kind of money for the home team. Yes, $156 million is still an insane amount of money, there is no question about that... But leaving another $113 mill on the table is also insane.

BUILD THE JALEN BRUNSON STATUE 🐐 pic.twitter.com/5ccgIMXK18
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) July 12, 2024

Brunson, with this move, has etched his name in Knicks' lore as one of the greatest in franchise history.

This past season, he averaged an astounding 28.7 points, 6.7 assists and shot 40% from three-point range, finishing 5th in NBA MVP balloting.

Also this offseason, the Knicks added star Mikal Bridges to the mix in a blockbuster trade, and re-signed defensive stalwart OG Anunoby to a five-year, $210M deal.