When Jalen Brunson signed a four-year, $104 million contract with the Knicks in July 2022, players like Ja Morant and Mikal Bridges recognized his talent but many NBA observers believed James Dolan had overpaid for a small guard who had yet to make an All-Star appearance.
Time told a different story. Brunson has since become a Knicks legend, known for his clutch performances, unassuming demeanor, and relentless grit.
Here’s how NBA Twitter reacted when Brunson left the Mavericks for New York.
JALEN BRUNSON IS NOT A TOP 15 PG IN THE NBA 🤦🏽♂️ careful Knick fans 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
— Bheeeesus (@SayBheeeesus) July 12, 2022
Yall must not know how cold JB really is lol
— Mikal Bridges (@mikal_bridges) June 30, 2022
Jalen Brunson went to the conference finals & said nah I don’t want to be a part of this & decided to go to New York. Gtfo lmaooooo
— DTX (@dtx_11) July 12, 2022
Will Jalen Brunson end up regretting leaving Dallas? 🤔
— CultureOpinion (@CultureOpinion) July 19, 2022
“Jaden Hardy won’t be Jalen Brunson” He’s already better.
— 🤷♂️ (@FUCKTHEJONESFAM) July 12, 2022
Jalen Brunson is not going to change the trajectory of the Knicks… 🤦🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️ it’s really hard being a #Knicks fan.
— Chris Zilo 🦅🇭🇰🇬🇷🇺🇸🐉 (@chris_zilo) July 12, 2022
NBA stars tweet their praise for Jalen Brunson after being signed to what was called an ‘overpay’ of a contract at 4 years/104 Million. On JJ Reddick podcast, Brunson mentioned that he hears the chatter, but it doesn’t change his process. His work. #Knicks pic.twitter.com/j0ykucJswS
— The Knicks Recap (@TheKnicksRecap) August 16, 2022
Jalen Brunson is a bucket. One of the best paint scorers at the guard position. https://t.co/6wkEXQpkEQ
— Brunson Is Better 🍉 Say No to Crooked Cuomo 🙏🏽 (@Runs0nFumes) August 18, 2022
Why are the Knicks playing on Christmas?! Nobody wants to watch Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle fight over who gets on the season ticket promo I promise
— dave (@whiteDwoody) August 15, 2022
The Knicks still gettin a Christmas game & the biggest offseason move was Jalen Brunson
— Jules Winnfield🕴🏾 (@hesjustniceee) August 15, 2022
Jalen Brunson has the mix of a talented player and could be a glue guy for this team.
— Proper MIDDLEMAN (@ProperMIDDLEMAN) July 19, 2022
Can’t wait to watch Jalen Brunson light up the Garden
Dude is a dawg #Knicks
— Marshall Green (@MarshallGreen_) July 19, 2022
Jalen Brunson gives off a Derrick Rose vibe and aura. I’m ready. #Knicks
— 𝓒𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓲𝓮🧸ྀི ᥫ᭡. (@CookieNChill) July 19, 2022
Jalen Brunson really boutta be my favorite Knick
— zeke (@zeke81482644) July 19, 2022