Jalen Brunson gets ‘blunt and honest’ about $113 million pay cut for Knicks

After his new contract with the New York Knicks, which carried a surprising $113M pay cut, Jalen Brunson has revealed why he agreed to it.

Jalen Brunson gets ‘blunt and honest’ about $113 million pay cut for Knicks

Jalen Brunson

When Jalen Brunson took a hefty $113 million pay cut as part of his new contract, the NBA world was astounded. That move undoubtedly helped the New York Knicks to free up their cap space and be in a great position to extend existing deals and sign key targets. All that so they can put together the best team to compete for the NBA championship title.

However, the new Knicks captain has now opened up on why he decided to forgo all that money to stay with the team. In a recent episode of The Roommates Show, Brunson talked about his commitment to the team and desire to win. 

Let's just be blunt and honest with it, it's the most money I can get at this time... But it’s kinda simple. I want to be here. I want to show that actions speak louder than just talking about stuff. I want this team to be together for a long time. I want to win here. That’s it.
Jalen Brunson said

According to the All-Star, staying with the Knicks was a much bigger priority than the money. Although he honestly admits that it was the best deal the franchise could offer him presently. Furthermore, Jalen Brunson stated that he chose to sign the new deal to speak with his deeds rather than just words. And considering the fact that he wants his teammates to truly believe in him, that was a huge statement.

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With the New York Knicks finally tying down Brunson to a new contract, they decided to reciprocate the love he’s shown the team by naming the 27-year-old their new captain. And this is something the New Brunswick native hasn’t taken for granted, as evidenced by his latest statements.

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Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony wouldn’t take pay cut like Jalen Brunson

Immediately after Brunson accepted a pay cut for his new deal, tons of reactions have been observed from fans and analysts alike. And one of the people to comment on the new contract was former NBA star Carmelo Anthony who himself is a Knicks legend.

It's a lose lose situation if you leave money on the table... So at the end of the day, it's do what's best for you. I think JB knows his situation... I'm not doing it.
Carmelo Anthony said on Paul George’s Podcast P

As stated by the former basketball player, taking a salary cut is the last thing he would have done. And he thinks Brunson is leaving a lot of cash on the table. Nonetheless, the Knicks star is focused on winning a title with the team and feels this is one of the sacrifices he ought to make. Surely, only time will tell.

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