New York Knicks’ standout point guard Jalen Brunson is reportedly open to discussing a contract extension with the team following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, as per Steve Popper of Newsday. Popper shared this insight on The Putback with Ian Begley, suggesting Brunson’s willingness to engage in talks this summer.
Brunson is currently in the second half of his four-year, $104 million contract with the Knicks, which he inked in the 2022 offseason, featuring a player option for the 2025-26 season valued at $24.96 million. Despite having two more seasons on his contract, Brunson’s openness to extension discussions arises amidst his stellar performance on the court.
"I've heard whispers that Jalen Brunson would be open to discussions to do [an extension] this summer" – @StevePopper
Ian, Steve, and @JCMacriNBA talk about how Julius Randle's season-ending injury will affect the Knicks on The Putback with @IanBegley: https://t.co/StRtXmwONG pic.twitter.com/jcdK6uJAqC
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 4, 2024
Having surpassed expectations, Brunson has averaged an impressive 25.9 points per game in his Knicks tenure, earning his first All-Star selection in February. His scoring average of 27.8 points per game ranks fourth among all players in the 2023-24 season, accompanied by a career-high 6.6 assists per game.
Beyond individual statistics, Brunson’s impact extends to team success, as the Knicks boast a significantly improved performance with him on the court, evident in his impressive net rating, second only to players appearing in over 30 games, according to NBA.com.
Jalen Brunson FAKED OUT Kings defense for easy clutch bucket 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2x7IUEhMDl
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 17, 2024
Brunson’s comfort in New York is further enhanced by the presence of former college teammates Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart, along with the Knicks’ ascent as a competitive force in the league, currently holding the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 44-31.
While there seems to be little incentive for Brunson to depart, especially with fellow All-Star Julius Randle and defensive stalwart OG Anunoby on the team, Randle’s season-ending shoulder injury may affect team dynamics. However, with Brunson’s reported openness to an extension, both parties are likely to explore securing his long-term future with the Knicks once the offseason commences.
