Jalen Brunson Secures Future with Knicks in Lucrative Contract Extension
Jalen Brunson has committed his future to the New York Knicks by signing a four-year, $156 million contract extension. This deal solidifies Brunson's role as a cornerstone for the franchise and signals a clear intent by the Knicks to build a competitive team around their talented point guard. The extension ensures that Brunson remains in New York through the prime of his career, providing stability and optimism for the Knicks' faithful.
Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges is navigating the complexities of the NBA's contractual landscape. On October 1, Bridges became eligible for an extension under the NBA's extend-and-trade rules. These rules allow players to sign for up to four total years with a 20% raise in the first year of the new deal, followed by 5% annual raises thereafter. Bridges, who secured a four-year, $90 million rookie extension with the Phoenix Suns in 2021, was traded on July 6, further spotlighting his value.
Under these extend-and-trade rules, Bridges could potentially add around $61.2 million in new money to his contract with two years remaining on his original deal. However, the strategic decisions don’t stop there. If Bridges opts to wait until the next offseason, he stands to sign a more lucrative contract worth approximately $113 million over three new years. Such a deal would provide a significant financial boon as Bridges weighs his options.
Looking further ahead, starting July 1, 2025, Bridges could utilize the standard veteran extension guidelines. These guidelines permit a 40% raise in the first new year of the deal, with 8% annual raises following. This strategy could offer Bridges four additional years on his contract instead of two, potentially guaranteeing him around $156 million over four new years and approximately $181 million in total. The financial incentives are even more enticing if Bridges decides to wait until the 2026 offseason, where he could sign a five-year contract starting at 30% of the salary cap with 8% annual raises, potentially earning up to $296 million.
While the extend-and-trade option provides substantial rewards, it still limits a player's contractual potential compared to deals signed with a new team. If Bridges were to join another organization, his maximum potential contract would be restricted to four years with 5% annual raises. Such limitations underscore the strategic advantages of extensions but also highlight the enticing possibilities free agency offers to leverage higher earnings.
On another significant note for the Knicks, OG Anunoby has also decided to re-sign in New York, landing a substantial $212.5 million deal. Anunoby's decision reinforces the Knicks' strategy to assemble a competitive roster capable of challenging for championships. With both Anunoby and Brunson secured for the coming years, the Knicks are poised to build a formidable lineup.
Both Brunson’s and Anunoby’s moves reflect a broader trend within the league, where players are increasingly leveraging their contract extensions to maximize earnings and career stability. These actions are shaping the dynamics of team-building and player retention in profound ways.
As the new NBA season approaches, the Knicks' fanbase has every reason to be excited. With key players locked into long-term deals, the team is well-positioned to make significant strides. Brunson’s extension is a testament to the faith the organization has in his abilities, and with Anunoby by his side, the future appears bright for New York’s basketball ambitions.