Jalen Brunson signed one of the most team-friendly contracts in NBA history this offseason by agreeing to a four-year, $156 million extension with the New York Knicks.
If Brunson had waited one more year to hit free agency, he would have been eligible to sign a five-year, $269 million contract with the Knicks.
In essence, Brunson left $113 million on the table.
On Paul George’s “Podcast P” show, the new Philadelphia 76ers forward wondered if Brunson might be able to make some of the money back off the court. George mentioned that Brunson — an immensely popular athlete in New York — not only has endorsement opportunities, but also likely isn’t “paying for s—t,” as George said.
Anthony disagreed, saying Brunson can’t make that money back off the court.
“Listen, you can’t make $113 million off the court,” Anthony said. “People is busting their ass out there and isn’t make $113 million off the court. I’m talking about people who’s been off the court or off the field for years and years, who are the biggest stars out there, they’re not making $100 [million] off the court. So that right there is different.
“[Brunson] is making something. He should be making something. $113 [million], to make that up on the backend, is crazy.”
At the time the podcast was recorded, Anthony didn’t know the specifics of Brunson’s extension, so he was reacting to it live.
Brunson’s extension, although it was less than he could have gotten if he waited, still locked in a massive contract — the biggest of his career. It gives him immediate security and protects him against a serious injury.
By taking less, Brunson also gives the Knicks financial flexibility to keep building the team around him. Brunson’s relatively low salary helps keep the Knicks away from the second apron, giving them more flexibility in trades and free agency.
Additionally, Brunson will be eligible to sign one of the biggest contracts in NBA history in 2028-29, a five-year, $417 million contract (assuming Brunson is still an All-Star-level player at that time). If Brunson signs that contract, he’ll make up much of the $113 million he “left on the table.”
Still, in the meantime, there’s no denying that Brunson did the Knicks a huge favor by signing his extension this summer.
Watch the podcast discussion below:
