It’s rare for NBA superstars to take on a financial sacrifice. Jalen Brunson didn’t have any issues taking a team-friendly deal for the New York Knicks. He recently reminded them of that.

Time flies in the pros, and it won’t be long before Brunson will be back at the negotiating table with the Knicks’ front office. While his mindset today might not be the same years down the line, but Brunson is sure he wants to be rewarded with a stellar contract due to his play and his sacrifice in 2024.

“Obviously, we’d love for them to do right by me,” Brunson told Vanity Fair. “I think anyone would. I feel like I sacrificed.”

Making $156.5 milion in less than five years isn’t a bad situation at all—even in NBA terms. But $156 million is a lot lower than the $256 million contract that could’ve been Brunson’s if he chased the check without having any discounts in mind.

Despite being a top player in the NBA, with multiple All-Star appearances and a steady mention in the MVP race, Brunson’s salary is ranked 46th in the NBA. The Knicks are extremely fortunate for his decision a few years back.

At the end of the day, the NBA is a business, and there’s no guarantee Brunson’s gamble will pay off in the long run. But he’s planting the seed early, and making it clear to the Knicks that he has expectations for when the time to talk shop again comes around.

After spending the first four seasons of his career playing for the Dallas Mavericks, Brunson was a primary target for the Knicks in free agency. They jumped the gun, winning a bidding war against the Mavs, and brought Brunson in for the next four years of his career.

This season, Brunson has appeared in 50 games. He is shooting 47 percent from the field, while posting averages of 27.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. Brunson has knocked down 37 percent of his threes, while attempting 7.8 threes per game.

Since leading the Knicks to the playoffs in 2023, New York has been a regular in the postseason. If Brunson can help the Knicks secure a title run, he would certainly strengthen his future contract conversation. Signed through the 2028 season, with a player option for 2028-2029, Brunson has plenty of time to figure it all out.

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