Jalen Brunson Poised for $157 Million Extension After Eastern Conference Finals — Knicks’ Franchise Cornerstone Ready to Secure Long-Term Future

 

Jalen Brunson Poised for $157 Million Extension After Eastern Conference Finals — Knicks’ Franchise Cornerstone Ready to Secure Long-Term Future

 

As the New York Knicks continue their stirring run through the 2025 NBA Playoffs, one name sits firmly at the center of the city’s hopes and dreams: Jalen Brunson. The All-Star point guard has not only guided the team to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in nearly a quarter-century but is also now reportedly poised to sign a massive four-year, $157 million contract extension once the postseason concludes.

The news, first reported by NBA insider Shams Charania and later confirmed by multiple league sources, marks a critical turning point for both Brunson and the Knicks franchise. What was once a promising free-agent acquisition has blossomed into a full-fledged leadership era — with Brunson commanding respect, delivering in clutch moments, and symbolizing a new culture of accountability and winning in New York.

And now, the team is ready to reward that impact with a contract fitting of his stature.

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The Numbers Behind the Deal

Brunson, 28, is eligible to sign a four-year, $157 million extension this offseason due to a clause in the collective bargaining agreement that allows players who signed four-year deals (without options) to extend after their third season. His current contract, signed in 2022, was seen as a bargain at the time: four years, $104 million.

Under this new deal, Brunson would earn an average of $39.25 million annually — placing him among the highest-paid point guards in the league. While it would still fall short of supermax figures, it’s a strong commitment by the Knicks to lock in their franchise floor general well before he hits unrestricted free agency in 2026.

> “Jalen’s impact has been immeasurable,” said Knicks president Leon Rose. “This extension isn’t just about money — it’s about building the future of this franchise with a leader who represents everything we want to stand for.”

 

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From Undervalued to Undeniable

Brunson’s meteoric rise from second-round pick to NBA superstar is one of the league’s most compelling narratives. After being drafted 33rd overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018, Brunson showed flashes of brilliance but was never handed the reins as a full-time primary option. That changed the moment he joined the Knicks in 2022.

His inaugural season in New York was impressive — he averaged 24 points and 6 assists per game, helping lead the team to a second-round playoff berth. But it’s the 2024–25 season where he has truly ascended. Brunson’s regular-season averages of 27.8 points, 6.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game earned him All-NBA Second Team honors, while his fourth-quarter heroics have turned him into a Madison Square Garden legend.

He’s been nothing short of extraordinary this postseason, averaging 31.4 points and 7.1 assists while logging heavy minutes, including multiple 40-point performances and four game-winners.

> “There’s no one I’d rather go to war with,” said teammate Josh Hart. “Jalen’s got that dawg in him — every single night.”

 

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Why the Knicks Are Acting Fast

By locking Brunson into an extension this summer, the Knicks avoid the uncertainty of 2026 free agency, where he would have been eligible for a far larger payday on the open market — potentially over $300 million under the projected salary cap.

The $157 million extension represents both financial security for Brunson and flexibility for the Knicks. It allows the franchise to continue building a contender around him while keeping future cap space manageable.

More importantly, it sends a clear signal: New York has finally found its guy.

> “When was the last time the Knicks had a true homegrown star who chose to stay?” asked ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. “This is monumental. Brunson is the culture.”

 

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A Leader On and Off the Court

Beyond his stat lines, Brunson’s value to the Knicks transcends the hardwood. Teammates speak reverently of his work ethic, humility, and unshakable poise. In an era defined by player movement and superstar volatility, Brunson offers something increasingly rare: stability.

He’s also endeared himself to the community, leading youth clinics, advocating for mental health awareness, and partnering with NYC-based charities.

> “Jalen’s presence is felt in every part of this organization — from the locker room to the front office to the community,” said head coach Tom Thibodeau. “He sets the tone.”

 

Fans have embraced Brunson as the face of the franchise. Jerseys bearing his name have outsold every other Knicks player for two straight seasons. Murals, chants, and social media tributes have elevated him to near-mythical status in the five boroughs.

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Playoff Legacy in the Making

While the extension is poised to dominate offseason headlines, Brunson remains laser-focused on the present. The Knicks are currently battling for a spot in the NBA Finals, and Brunson has been the driving force behind every crucial win.

His performances against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks in earlier rounds were the stuff of legend — including a 47-point masterpiece in Game 6 against Milwaukee that closed out the series.

Now, with the Knicks locked in a fierce battle against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, Brunson continues to deliver, proving that the moment is never too big.

> “This is why I came to New York,” he said after Game 2. “To play in these moments. To make history.”

 

Should the Knicks advance, it would mark their first trip to the NBA Finals since 1999. For a franchise long plagued by dysfunction and near-misses, that achievement would be a seismic shift — and Brunson would be the central figure.

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The Larger Context: Building a Contender

The pending extension also opens the door for long-term planning around Brunson. With his future secured, the Knicks front office can aggressively pursue additional roster upgrades through trades or free agency.

OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson remain core pieces, while young talent like Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride provide developmental depth. There is also buzz that several marquee free agents — including Brandon Ingram and Jarrett Allen — are interested in joining the Knicks should the team make a Finals run.

With Brunson locked in, New York becomes a top-tier free-agent destination once again.

> “Superstars want to play with leaders who elevate their game,” said former Knick and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose. “That’s exactly what Brunson does.”

 

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What This Means for the NBA Landscape

Brunson’s extension also has ripple effects across the league. For one, it removes a high-profile target from the 2026 free-agent pool. Teams like the Lakers, Heat, and Bulls were reportedly monitoring his situation closely, with hopes of prying him away from New York.

His decision to commit to the Knicks reinforces a growing trend of stars prioritizing legacy and fit over raw dollar amounts — a shift away from the mercenary mentality that defined much of the previous decade.

> “Jalen is betting on continuity, culture, and connection,” said NBA salary cap expert Bobby Marks. “It’s a smart move — both personally and professionally.”

 

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A Contract That Reflects a Philosophy

In many ways, the $157 million figure says as much about Brunson as it does about the Knicks. While he could conceivably wait until 2026 and sign for much more, he has reportedly communicated to team officials that he values roster continuity and winning more than chasing a supermax deal.

> “Jalen told us from Day 1 — he’s not about headlines, he’s about hoops,” said an anonymous team executive. “This extension reflects his loyalty and his belief in what we’re building.”

 

And what the Knicks are building is special. With a young core, championship aspirations, and a leader firmly in place, the once-maligned franchise is poised for a new era of sustained success.

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A Word from the Man Himself

When asked about the reported extension following Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Brunson remained characteristically understated:

> “I’m focused on winning right now. All that other stuff will take care of itself. My job is to lead this team, and that’s all I care about.”

 

Still, when pressed about his long-term commitment to the Knicks, he didn’t hesitate:

> “This is home.”

 

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Conclusion: The Dawn of a New Era

As the final buzzer approaches on a transformative Knicks season, one thing has become clear: Jalen Brunson is the future.

The pending $157 million extension is more than just a financial agreement — it’s a declaration. A declaration that the Knicks are back. That stability, loyalty, and elite talent now define their franchise. That a second-round pick from Villanova has become the beating heart of the world’s most demanding basketball city.

And that Jalen Brunson isn’t done yet.

The story continues — and if all goes according to plan — the next chapter will be written under the bright lights of the NBA Finals… with Brunson leading the way.