Most NBA gamers need to maximize their worth whereas they nonetheless can, not figuring out what the long run will maintain for them.
They don’t normally take pay cuts, not even for the sake of the staff.
Of the largest names within the recreation, maybe solely Dirk Nowitzki knowingly did so time and again.
LeBron James received plenty of reward for a $20 million pay reduce he didn’t even take, and he solely took a few $2.7 million pay reduce ultimately.
That’s why Jalen Brunson’s resolution to go away $113 million on the desk was so stunning.
With that in thoughts, ESPN analyst Kevin Pelton graded this deal as an ‘A’ for the New York Knicks.
.@kpelton‘s grade for Jalen Brunson’s extension with the Knicks is in ✍️
Extra: https://t.co/jlAAPwTvmT pic.twitter.com/8F4Sqp7Tgx
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 14, 2024
The Knicks received Brunson to signal an extension one yr earlier, and they’ll now have considerably extra wage cap flexibility due to that.
That may assist them not solely maintain Brunson’s mates round for longer but in addition maintain including extra items to pursue an NBA championship.
As for Brunson, this might additionally find yourself being the fitting resolution sooner or later, financially.
By the point his contract runs out, he’ll be eligible to signal an enormous contract that would get him as a lot as $80 million per yr.
This speaks volumes about his dedication to the staff and his confidence in his recreation.
Hopefully, betting on himself this fashion will repay, and different athletes will take a web page from his guide after they’re sitting on the bargaining desk.
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Insider Particulars Huge Wage Jalen Brunson May Make In 2028