Knicks Star Jalen Brunson Brutally gets honest on Reported Extension Talks

All-Star guard Jalen Brunson recently commented on the rumored contract extension discussions that were speculated to involve him granting the New York Knicks a hometown discount during the summer. In an episode of the “Roommates Show” podcast with his Knicks teammate Josh Hart on May 31, Brunson addressed the situation by saying, “I’m not aware of any extension talks being mentioned.

I want to be transparent about that.” According to Steve Popper of Newsday, there were indications that Brunson might be open to a contract extension this offseason. Popper’s report on May 20 mentioned that Brunson could potentially agree to a four-year, $156 million extension offer. Despite the reports suggesting an extension, it may not be a financially wise decision for Brunson to sign this summer.

In response to Hart mentioning the news he read on Twitter about Brunson’s eligibility for an extension, Brunson retorted, “Do you trust everything you read on Twitter?” Brunson, who is currently 27 and entering his prime years, could opt for a more lucrative five-year, $270 million contract in the 2025 offseason if he chooses not to exercise the player option in his existing four-year, $104 million deal that he secured as a free agent in 2022.

Having already proven his worth on the court, Brunson led the Knicks to the second round of the playoffs, posting career-best averages of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists. Notably, he achieved this performance despite the absence of Julius Randle since January 27 and with OG Anunoby in and out of the lineup. During the playoffs,

Brunson elevated his game even further, averaging 32.4 points and 7.5 assists. Unfortunately, his impressive season was marred by a hand injury sustained in their Game 7 defeat to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, which required surgical intervention and served as a disappointing conclusion to his standout year in the NBA. This season marked his first All-Star selection and a spot on the All-NBA Second Team.

Another Knicks standout, Randle, also has the opportunity to secure a contract extension. As per insights from ESPN’s front office analyst Bobby Marks, Randle could sign a four-year, $181.5 million extension if he rejects the option, or a three-year, $140.3 million extension if he chooses to opt in. Unlike Brunson, Randle is not in a position of strength due to recovering from a significant injury that sidelined him for the latter part of the season and the playoffs.

Con

sequently, it is highly probable that Randle would agree to an extension this summer should the Knicks present him with one. Expressing his commitment to the team, Randle stated on May 31, as reported by the New York Post, “I’ve always maintained my desire to stay here in New York and to build upon the achievements of the team in the playoffs. One of my main goals since arriving here has been to contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the team, and reaching the stage we’re at now, where winning a championship is a genuine possibility.

” “My primary focus is on ensuring my recovery, preparing myself for the upcoming games, and making a valuable contribution to our success. Throughout my career, focusing on performance and team success has always yielded positive outcomes,” Randle concluded.

Josh Hart expressed a wish that he, like others, could have the opportunity to extend his contract

His four-year, $81 million extension, which he agreed to last summer, is set to commence next season. However, Hart remarked that he would have preferred if his extension discussions had occurred a year later.

During a conversation on their “Roommate Show” podcast, Hart mentioned to Brunson that he had seen discussions about eligibility on social media, suggesting, “I’m not saying you’re talking; I’m just acknowledging your eligibility. Unfortunately, I’m not eligible for such opportunities. I wish I were.”

Hart saw an uptick in his performance following Randle’s injury. After Randle suffered a dislocated right shoulder on January 27, Hart showcased strong numbers, averaging 12.7 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists over 50 games, including playoff appearances.

In addition to Brunson and Randle, who are eligible for contract extensions, Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein are anticipated to secure lucrative deals as they enter free agency.

Reflecting on the team’s composition, Hart remarked, “We have valuable assets with favorable contracts who can develop alongside us. However, from a personal perspective as a friend and teammate, one can’t help but wish that all of us were free agents, as each of us could secure significant contracts, with the exception of JB (Brunson), as he’s set to receive his payday regardless.”