Another Knicks Star Reportedly Take A Pay Cut
Last week, the New York Knicks reached an agreement with star guard Jalen Brunson on a contract extension, a well-deserved move given his impact as one of the team’s best acquisitions in franchise history.
While it was anticipated that the Knicks would eventually secure Brunson with a lucrative long-term extension, no one expected him to take a significant pay cut to enhance the team’s financial flexibility moving forward.
Brunson made an unprecedented decision to accept considerably less in his new deal, showing his commitment to turning the Knicks into a winning team alongside his former Villanova Wildcats teammates Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, and Mikal Bridges.
This newfound financial flexibility increases the Knicks’ chances of keeping their core together for the long term while also providing the opportunity to add more pieces to their championship aspirations.
Adding to the good news for the franchise, Mikal Bridges appears willing to follow Brunson’s example by accepting a team-friendly deal when it’s time for his contract extension, according to NBA insider Marc Stein via NBA Central.
“League sources say that the expectation now, furthermore, is that Bridges is likely to follow Brunson’s lead and sign a team-friendly deal of his own when it’s his turn to negotiate an extension (he’s eligible for a shorter and less attractive deal as soon as Oct. 1 or a four-year extension if he waits until after the season) that cements himself at MSG alongside his fellow former Villanova teammates Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo.”
Mikal Bridges is expected to take a pay cut to stay with the Knicks, per @TheSteinLine
“League sources say that the expectation now, furthermore, is that Bridges is likely to follow Brunson's lead and sign a team-friendly deal of his own when it's his turn to negotiate an… pic.twitter.com/9dOXbSiPMU
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 15, 2024
After decades of disappointment, the Knicks seem to be finally turning things around in New York, offering both the team and its fans renewed hope for the future, with the possibility of winning a third NBA title becoming increasingly realistic.
It will be interesting to see what additional moves the Knicks make this offseason to strengthen their roster, as they still face a challenge in the frontcourt following Isaiah Hartenstein’s recent departure.