Jalen Brunson will become eligible to sign a contract extension with the New York Knicks starting Friday. However, he might earn a substantial pay increase by waiting until next summer, when he could sign a max contract offer.
According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, the potential difference in value between extending now and waiting a year is over $100 million. Katz reported, “If Brunson waits until the 2025 free agency, he could sign a max contract worth an estimated $269.1 million over five years. This represents a $113 million difference in guaranteed money. An extension now would offer an average annual value of $39.1 million, compared to $53.8 million per year in the free-agent deal. The financial gap might be too significant for Brunson to ignore, leading him to wait until next summer to secure his quarter-billion-dollar deal.”
Given the short nature of NBA careers, waiting to maximize earnings seems logical. A $113 million difference is substantial.
However, if Brunson chooses to delay his decision, the Knicks should brace for increased media scrutiny. His performance will be closely watched, and speculation about his satisfaction in New York and potential destinations elsewhere will intensify. Similar media scrutiny was seen with Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors.
Such attention could be problematic for the team. The Knicks have already expended much of their tradable assets, having added OG Anunoby and pursued Mikal Bridges. Maintaining a positive locker room environment is crucial for success. Coach Tom Thibodeau will need to manage media narratives carefully to avoid disrupting team harmony.
Brunson is crucial to the Knicks’ success, and he deserves the chance to secure a significant contract. The team must do everything possible to keep him committed for the next season. Otherwise, his focus might shift to the following summer, which could be detrimental for all parties involved.
