New York Knicks point guard and franchise cornerstone Jalen Brunson is a strange man in today’s NBA.
In an era where young stars are getting more than $ 200 million contracts, the Villanova standout’s decision not to get an extra $113 million for the team’s sake is widely praised across the league. Not everyone would be willing to take in less money when teams have total control of where you end up without usually asking for your consent.
It’s understandable if some are still baffled by his decision. However, he’s pretty straightforward with his logic behind the move.
Jalen Brunson says winning is the main reason behind his $156 million deal with the New York Knicks
Brunson understands that being the man isn’t enough to win NBA championships. During the Knicks’ seven-game second-round loss to the Indiana Pacers, he was made aware that he cannot possibly do everything on his own.
He explains that bringing the Larry O’Brien trophy to the Big Apple than getting a fat paycheck if he waited to negotiate his extension until the next offseason.
Per Empire Sports Media’s Dylan Backer:
“I think about every decision I make,” Brunson said (h/t SNY). “I am completely comfortable with what I’ve done. Obviously, I’m well off, myself and my family, that’s first and foremost. But I want to win. I want to win here.”
He also had a message to critics who are still confused with his decision:
“I know a lot of people don’t agree with it,” Brunson said (h/t MSG Network). “A lot of people that were thinking that it’s not smart from an individual standpoint. But I’m comfortable here, this is home for me. I don’t worry about what anyone else says, their opinions are their opinions and they can have them, but I’m just focused on what we are building here and how we can improve.”
It’s thanks to Brunson’s team-friendly deal that the front office felt comfortable enough to bring Mikal Bridges over from the Brooklyn Nets and create a very exciting team at the MSG.
Whether this move by Brunson actually ends up in a ring is an entirely different matter, but it’s a very brilliant example of what selflessness looks like in a very individualistic sports league.
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