Jalen Brunson’s Cut-Price Contract Extension Reportedly Inspired by Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes

Jalen Brunson looked to the NFL for inspiration for his next contract.

Brunson reportedly agreed to a four-year, $156 million contract extension with the New York Knicks on Friday. The deal represents a significant discount for the Knicks. Had Brunson waited a year before becoming a free agent next summer, he would have been eligible for a five-year, $269 million contract.

According to multiple reports, Brunson’s contract extension was done in an effort to help the Knicks continue to build a championship contender.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Brunson took inspiration from Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, both of whom accepted less or structured their contracts in a way that helped their teams grow.

“Brunson’s study of championship organizations and franchise stars—Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs, Tom Brady’s New England Patriots and Derek Jeter’s New York Yankees—gave him a blueprint for MVP-level players who structured contracts to give their teams the best chance at sustained championship success.”

With the NBA’s new, very strict CBA and salary cap “aprons,” the Knicks will have some tough financial decisions to make going forward. OG Anunoby signed a $212 million contract this summer. Julius Randle will be eligible for an extension in August and will be looking for a raise. Mikal Bridges will be eligible for an extension next summer.

If the Knicks take the second step, they will be severely limited in their trades or in adding players in free agency. Every dollar counts. By signing a discounted contract extension, Brunson could help the Knicks pay other players, keep the team together longer or add players in the future. Brunson, who has said his goal is to win a championship in New York, apparently knows that taking less money could help him achieve that goal.