Key Takeaways:
– Knicks basketball star Jalen Brunson downplays rumors about potential extension talks.
– Newsday’s Steve Popper suggested that Brunson may be agreeable to a $156 million contract extension this summer.
– Brunson could be eligible for a much lucrative five-year, $270 million contract in the 2025 season.
– Knicks’ other star player, Julius Randle, also anticipates potential contract extension.
– Josh Hart, another Knicks player, expressed his desire for a contract extension eligibility.
New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Speaks Out
In a surprising twist, New York Knicks All-Star guard Jalen Brunson has played down the buzz regarding his potential contract extension this summer. During a recent episode of the “Roommates Show” podcast, Brunson dismissed these discussions outright. “I don’t know what extension talks you’re talking about,” he told his teammate, Josh Hart, during their interaction.
Anticipated Contract Extension Possibility
Rumors about Brunson’s contract talks began circulating following a report by Steve Popper of Newsday. Popper hinted that Brunson may be open to a four-year, $156 million contract extension in the approaching summer. However, Brunson fought back at these speculations during this podcast, even doubting the credibility of Twitter as a factual source.
Brunson’s Season Highlights and Future Prospects
Having entered his prime years at 27, Brunson has the prospects of inking a crucial five-year, $270 million contract in the 2025 offseason. This scenario is plausible if Brunson foregoes the player option of his current $104 million, four-year deal inked in 2022. A spectacular season saw Brunson rack up career best 28.7 points and 6.7 assists on average, steering the Knicks into the second round of the playoffs.
Julius Randle’s Contract Prospects
Meanwhile, other Knicks stars also have potential contract talks on the horizon. Julius Randle, another key player, is likely to ink a four-year, $181.5 million extension. However, unlike Brunson, Randle does not have the same bargaining power as he’s recovering from a significant surgery. Consequently, Randle is expected to accept an extension offer this summer from the Knicks.
Amid his recovery, Randle expressed his long-term commitment to the Knicks, stating his resolve to return healthier and ready to compete. His ultimate goal is to contribute towards a championship win for the team.
Josh Hart and Extension Talks
Josh Hart also used the “Roommates Show” platform to voice his desires on contract talks. He wished he was also eligible for a contract boost, especially following his performance boost in the absence of Randle. Since Randle’s injury, Hart has had an average of 12.7 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in 50 games. His performance, coupled with those of players like Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein, underscores the team’s robust potential.
In conclusion, while Jalen Brunson may downplay his extension talks, there’s no denying that the upcoming summer will be a game-changer for him and the Knicks. The prospect of lucrative extensions for key players like Brunson and Randle shows the team’s commitment to retaining its top performers. The overall situation indicates a rosy future for the team as they prepare for the future seasons.