Jalen Brunson Hopes Knicks 'Do Right' After His 'Sacrifice'

The star guard opened up about his team-friendly contract extension and his hopes for the future.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jalen Brunson, the star guard for the New York Knicks, discussed his recent four-year, $156.5 million contract extension in a wide-ranging profile with Vanity Fair. Brunson acknowledged that he 'sacrificed' for the team by signing a team-friendly deal, forgoing $113 million more he could have made by waiting a year. Now, as he approaches free agency again, Brunson hopes the Knicks 'do right by' him after his previous willingness to prioritize the team's needs over his own.

Why it matters

Brunson's comments highlight the delicate balance NBA players must strike between personal financial interests and team success. His willingness to take a team-friendly deal shows his commitment to the Knicks, but he now hopes the organization will reward that sacrifice when he hits free agency again.

The details

Brunson, a three-time All-Star, signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension with the Knicks before the 2024-25 season. He could have waited a year and signed a four-year deal worth $269.5 million, but instead opted for the more team-friendly contract. Brunson told Vanity Fair that he prioritized having 'a free mind' and ensuring his 'family and I are taken care of' over maximizing his earnings. The 29-year-old is having another strong season, averaging 27 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game as the Knicks sit third in the Eastern Conference.

  • Brunson signed his four-year, $156.5 million extension before the 2024-25 season.
  • Brunson's extension kicked in at the start of the current 2026-27 NBA season.

The players

Jalen Brunson

A 29-year-old star guard for the New York Knicks who is a three-time NBA All-Star.

New York Knicks

The NBA franchise based in New York City that Jalen Brunson plays for.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If I'm thinking about playing well to make sure I get paid, that could mess with me. I play best when I have a free mind, and that did that for me. A lot of people say I sacrificed for the team. One hundred percent I sacrificed for the team. But most importantly, I made sure my family and I are taken care of.”

— Jalen Brunson, Knicks Guard (Vanity Fair)

“Obviously we'd love for them to do right by me. I think anyone would. I feel like I sacrificed.”

— Jalen Brunson, Knicks Guard (Vanity Fair)

What’s next

When Brunson becomes a free agent again, he will be eligible for a five-year max contract projected to be worth over $417 million. The Knicks will have a chance to show their commitment to Brunson by offering him a lucrative new deal.

The takeaway

Jalen Brunson's willingness to take a team-friendly contract extension with the Knicks demonstrates his loyalty to the organization. However, he now hopes the Knicks will reciprocate that commitment when he hits free agency again, showing that even star players must carefully balance personal financial interests and team success in the NBA.