“He’s shocked everybody!” Charles Barkley LAUDS Jalen Brunson leaving $113 million to help Knicks win NBA title

The New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson could have signed a max deal next season.

“He’s shocked everybody!” Charles Barkley LAUDS Jalen Brunson leaving $113 million to help Knicks win NBA title

Charles Barkley and Jalen Brunson

The New York Knicks are onto something. They have managed to assemble a star lineup of players without having to give up any starter. To top it off, their leading superstar Jalen Brunson has taken a massive $113 million pay cut. All in the interest of helping the team contend for an NBA title or two. Something Hall of Famer Charles Barkley has not seen in the NBA for a long time.

The former MVP was speaking with SportsCenter host Hannah Storm. When she asked him for his opinion on this latest development, Barkley had quite a few words to say.

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I think it's awesome. He's a great kid and a hell of a player. What he's did for the Knicks I think has shocked everybody. I knew he was a good player, but he's been great since he got to New York. He realized, 'Hey for me to make an extra few million dollars are we're not gonna be competitive, no one wants to do that'. So, I'm happy for that kid and kudos to him.
Charles Barkley said

Charles Barkley knows that in today’s game, players do not take pay cuts. So, this was an unprecedented move in order to stay competitive. Jalen Brunson signed a 4-year $156.5 million contract. Whereas had he waited until next season, he could have earned $113 million more. But choosing to sign earlier means the New York Knicks are in a great position. They can make roster moves if and when necessary.

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More importantly, they can also sign their other key players to contracts. That would help the core stay together and build chemistry. A much-needed component when attempting to win an NBA title. Especially in light of a tough Eastern Conference.

Jalen Brunson’s pay cut could have ripple effects in the league

So far, superstars in the NBA have been looking to maximize their salaries. Some have left the comfort of fantastic environments just to get those extra millions in. This initiative from Jalen Brunson could play into the hands of owners and GMs.

Going forward, they could take into account that a player can take a pay cut for the benefit of the team. They could pressure players to take significant discounts. Hometown discounts or championship discounts were evident in the past. But no player has given such discounts over the past few years. The 2nd Apron might force the issue, but willingly taking a pay cut is an altogether different proposition.

As Charles Barkley mentioned before, players have become greedy. Now a team with championship aspirations could ask superstars to take a lower salary. All in the interest of getting all the help to win an NBA title.

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