Josh Hart didn't hold back after Draymond Green questioned Jalen Brunson's contract decision, defending his teammate with a pointed response on social media.
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart came to Jalen Brunson's defense after Draymond Green questioned the All-Star point guard's decision to take less than the maximum salary on his current contract.
During a recent appearance discussing NBA contracts, Green argued that Brunson should not have accepted what has been widely viewed as a significant hometown discount to remain with the Knicks.
"It's the New York Knicks, bro. They can afford it," Green said. "You ain't got to take no discount for them to get paid."
Green went on to compare Brunson's situation to his own time with the Golden State Warriors, noting that Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson received massive contracts while he accepted a smaller deal because of the team's salary structure.
"He the top guy," Green said. "Let Josh Hart or somebody else take less. They in my role. Guess what, Steph Curry ain't take a penny less. And neither did Klay Thompson ain't take a penny less."
Hart Fires Back on Social Media
Hart wasted little time responding after a clip of Green's comments circulated on social media.
Replying on X, Hart posted a brief but pointed message defending Brunson and criticizing the public discussion surrounding another player's finances.
Jun 17, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Knicks guards Jalen Brunson (l) and Josh Hart (r) at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images"We got to normalize grown men not counting other peoples pockets," Hart wrote.
The response quickly gained traction among NBA fans, with many praising Hart for standing up for his teammate while pushing back against the growing trend of players publicly discussing one another's contracts.
Hart did not mention Green by name, but there was little doubt whom the message was directed toward.
Brunson's Contract Has Been a Talking Point
Brunson's contract has remained one of the NBA's biggest financial storylines since he agreed to an extension that paid him less than he could have earned by waiting for unrestricted free agency.
The decision gave New York greater financial flexibility to continue building a contender around its franchise point guard while keeping much of its core intact.
Many around the league applauded Brunson for prioritizing the team's long-term outlook, while others questioned whether a player of his caliber should ever leave that much money on the table.
Green clearly falls into the latter group, arguing that a marquee franchise like the Knicks should have been willing to pay Brunson every dollar available under league rules.
May 8, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts to a Josh Hart (not pictured) three-pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesHart's response highlighted the opposite perspective. Rather than debating the numbers, he suggested that contract decisions are personal matters between players and their organizations.
With expectations continuing to rise in New York, Brunson and the Knicks remain focused on competing for a championship.
Still, Green's comments and Hart's viral response sparked another league-wide conversation about player salaries, loyalty and whether athletes should feel obligated to sacrifice earnings in pursuit of roster flexibility.
