Knicks star Jalen Brunson slipped in a lighthearted jab at New York’s steep cost of living while celebrating his latest win in Texas early Sunday.
During his postgame interview, Brunson, 29, was reminded that both of his college national championship victories also came in Texas. That prompted a reporter to ask what, if anything, he had against the Lone Star State.
Brunson laughed off the question. “I have nothing against Texas. I love Texas. I miss the Texas taxes,” he said.
The joke landed because Texas does not levy a state individual income tax or a corporate income tax, a sharp contrast with New York, where tax rates range from 4% to 10.9%.
Before reaching the NBA, Brunson helped lead Villanova to national titles in 2016 and 2018, with those championship games played in Houston and San Antonio.
After being selected in the 2018 NBA Draft, Brunson began his professional career with the Dallas Mavericks and spent four seasons playing in Texas.
Brunson, who was born in New Jersey and grew up in Illinois, is on a 4-year, $156.5 million contract with the Knicks.
