Jalen Brunson had seemingly turned the NBA world upside down when he took a $113 million pay cut as part of his next contract. That move helped the New York Knicks to have sufficient cap space to re-sign key players and also hold cash for the impending extension of Mikal Bridges. All so that they can have the best team to run for an NBA title.
However, the All-Star likes to joke about it when the opportunity arises. For example, yesterday, when the New York Knicks honored their newest captain with a check for his foundation, ‘Second Round Foundation,’ Brunson interrupted as the amount was being announced, saying:
For $113 million?
Jalen Brunson joked
That instantly brought a smile to his face, as well as to those beside him on the dais and among the crowd gathered inside Madison Square Garden. Naturally, he was poking fun, leaving all that money on the table.
Being in New York, there are multiple ways through which Jalen Brunson can earn all or more of that $113 million back. But he and the franchise know that the amount is what he truly deserves. After all, he took them to the Eastern Conference Semifinals single handedly.
Brunson wants to go two spots better. That is why he implored the Knicks to bring him his Villanova running mate. Now, with a roster featuring former Villanova Wildcats, along with Julius Randle and OG Anunoby, the team is poised to make a strong run for the NBA title.
Jalen Brunson wants to win NBA title
The hunger for an NBA title shot was what pulled the Knicks all the way to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. They soldiered on despite being battered and bruised. They know that had they had at least a couple of their starters healthy, they could have gone further. Knowing that, the team did not want to take any chances.
With the situation with the Brooklyn Nets developing, it was the most opportune time for them to target Mikal Bridges. After all, he completes the Villanova Wildcats roster on the Knicks. College teammates and friends who won NCAA titles together. The New York Knicks could get a similar move from them. Having friends on the team also means chemistry issues will be almost non-existent.
Therefore, all the Knicks need is for the other stars to bind in, and they will be ready. Their collective force and drive should be enough to take on the likes of NBA Champions Boston Celtics. Get over all those hurdles and win a title, and Jalen Brunson’s pay cut will look like the best decision ever.
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