New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson’s recent contract extension has a striking resemblance to a move Draymond Green made with the Golden State Warriors, according to Green himself.
Brunson, eligible for a five-year, $269.1 million deal in 2025, instead signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension. This decision mirrors Green’s own choice to sign a four-year, $100 million extension rather than waiting for a potentially larger payday.
“He did the Draymond Green,” Green said on the “Club 520 Podcast.” “I signed that [four-year contract] for [$100 million]. If I waited, I could’ve gotten four for [$180 million], but I needed to lock my money in. I’d rather lock that [$100 million] in to know that I have that [$100 million] – chasing that extra [$60 million] or [$80 million] and then I don’t get it. I just wasn’t willing to take that risk.”
Green, however, expressed surprise at Brunson’s decision, considering his status as the Knicks’ top option and the love he receives from New York fans.
“Jalen may not be willing to take that risk, but he’s different,” Green added. “You’re the No. 1 option on the New York Knicks. Not only are you the No. 1 option on the New York Knicks – and that’s cool – but the city of New York loves you. You’re going to get that $250 million.”
Brunson’s choice likely reflects a strategic move to give the Knicks financial flexibility to build a championship-contending roster, especially after their recent Eastern Conference semifinal appearance. Yet, Green remains puzzled by how Brunson, an NBA All-Star and the face of the organization, would leave such a significant sum on the table.
“It’s the New York Knicks, they can afford it,” Green continued. “You ain’t gotta take no discount. My situation is different because Steph [Curry] is making [$270 million] and Klay [Thompson] is [$180 million]. Alright, something had to give. Cool, I will take less, but he’s the top guy. Let Josh Hart or somebody else take less. Like, they’re in my role. Let somebody else take less. Guess what? Steph Curry didn’t take a penny less, and neither did Klay Thompson take a penny less. If it’s going to work, somebody will do [it]. I wasn’t expecting them to take less. I don’t know what he’s doing.”
Green also pointed to the anticipated increase in player salaries due to the upcoming NBA media rights deal, questioning whether players like Brunson and Celtics guard Jaylen Brown are considering the forthcoming financial landscape.
“Some of these extensions I’ve been looking at, like [Jaylen Brown] signed a four-year [contract], do they not realize that there is TV money coming up?” Green asked. “The deals are about to get bigger. So he took four for [$154 million]. In a year-and-a-half, he is going to be making mid-level.”
Despite his critiques, Green acknowledges that Brunson’s strategy aligns with his own: reducing risk, securing a solid financial future, and betting on career longevity.
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