Jalen Brunson has enjoyed a remarkable 2026. The New York Knicks point guard helped deliver the franchise’s first NBA championship in 53 years as New York defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games. Brunson was named Finals MVP after earning his third consecutive All-Star selection and landing on the All-NBA Second Team for the third straight season.
Brunson’s standout year extended beyond the court. He landed a role on Law & Order: SVU alongside his friend Mariska Hargitay and hosted the season premiere of Saturday Night Live, receiving a thunderous welcome from New York fans.
Yet a move Brunson made in 2024 could now be creating difficult choices for the Knicks and several of his teammates.
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In 2024, Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension. The contract was widely praised as team-friendly because he could have waited another season to pursue a five-year deal worth as much as $269 million. However, when the broader financial picture is considered, Brunson could position himself for another substantial payday—potentially around $290 million over four years—when his current contract expires. Signing early softened the impact of the $113.5 million he appeared to leave on the table.
Even so, Brunson surrendered some financial security to remain in New York. Now, the Knicks appear to be asking several of his teammates to make a similar sacrifice.
After reaching an impasse, the Knicks announced that they are pausing negotiations with their impending free agents. The group includes Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, Miles McBride, and Tyler Kolek.
Towns has indicated that he would consider accepting less than the $276 million maximum, though he reportedly expects a figure near that range. The Knicks have offered him a four-year, $200 million contract, a proposal Towns views as disrespectful given his performance during the team’s championship run.
Internet sleuths have also resurfaced a 2024 conversation in which Shannon Sharpe asked Towns whether he would give up $100 million to keep the Knicks together. Towns appeared open to the possibility at the time, although circumstances can change significantly over two years. During that exchange, Towns also pointed out that Brunson’s father, Rick—a former player and current assistant—has earned millions, providing additional financial support for the Brunson family.
Hart could face a similar request from New York. He is eligible to sign a four-year deal worth $132 million, a price that may be too high for the Knicks to absorb. If the sides cannot find common ground, Hart could ultimately leave the team.
McBride signed a three-year, $13 million extension in 2023 and emerged as an important role player during the Knicks’ title season. He could be eligible for a four-year contract worth up to $60 million, unless he also agrees to a discount. Kolek, a second-round pick with a smaller role on the depth chart, could likely be retained at a more manageable cost.
Each player remains under contract for the upcoming season, giving the sides until June to reach agreements on long-term extensions. Towns also holds a $61 million player option for 2027-28, while Hart has a $22.4 million team option and Kolek has a $2.5 million team option.
Championship windows rarely remain open indefinitely. The Knicks are bringing back most of their roster this season, but without compromises from the players and the organization, this could be the final opportunity for the current era of New York basketball.
