Less than 48 hours after winning his first NBA title, Jalen Brunson was asked in a sit-down interview with Malika Andrews where he was asked about the pay cut he took to sign his extension with the Knicks. 

"100 percent worth it,” said Bruson. “Even if we didn't achieve this I feel like being able to do that and grind and go on a journey to try to achieve it would have been worth it as well but this is definitely the cherry on top"

In the summer prior to the 2024-2025 season, Brunson signed a 4-year, $156.5 million extension with the Knicks. Despite being eligible for up to $269 million, Brunson signed a team-friendly deal that left $113 million off the table and freed up plenty of space for the Knicks to sign other players. 

That sign of loyalty and respect for an organization is a lost art in today’s league, from both the players and ownership, but Brunson’s selflessness adds another trait to his impeccable character. 

Brunson more than carried his team to the Finals; he put the team on his back in crunch time repeatedly. Throughout the series, Brunson averaged 32.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists. A two-way threat in the series as well, he averaged 2.0 steals per game. 

The only thing Brunson didn’t have was efficiency. He shot 42.1% from the floor, which was the fifth-worst shooting percentage from a Finals MVP winner. Who were the others in front of him? 

Tim Duncan in 2005, Dirk Nowitzki in 2011, Michael Jordan in 1996, and Kobe Bryant in 2010 all had the worst field-goal percentages. When you’re on a list like that, you’re doing something right. 

Including all his clutch moments, such as his personal 8-0 run late in Game 1, scoring the final five points in Game 2, and dropping 29 second-half points in Game 5 including a personal 10-0 run to tie it up in crunch time, Brunson’s pay-cut only heightened his game. 

Taking that pay cut allowed the Knicks to expand their roster and make some big-time blockbuster trades. Their first major acquisition happened just weeks before he took the pay cut, when they landed his former Villanova teammate Mikal Bridges in a massive trade with the Nets. 

Recognizing the haul it took to acquire his friend, Brunson then took it upon himself to help out the organization and take the cut so he could help finalize the trade. 

By October, the Knicks then made another major trade when they acquired Karl Anthony Towns from the Timberwolves as part of a three-team deal with the Charlotte Hornets as well. These two additions also backed Brunson on the biggest stage, with Bridges knocking down shots late and Towns winning the battle on the boards against one of the best rebounding teams in the league. 

Brunson’s recognition of team chemistry over personal gain is the reason he’s a champ. Even if he didn’t win the title this season, he would still do it all over again, showing why he’s not only the king of New York but also a fan favorite across the league.