New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts during the fourth quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden on February 3, 2024 in New York, New York, USA. Credit: Brad Penner – USA TODAY Sports
Jalen Brunson made waves around the NBA when he essentially gave up $113 million to keep the New York Knicks’ core, and some are wondering if his move could be the start of a trend among stars.
According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, executives at the Las Vegas Summer League are eager to get Brunson an extension and are wondering if it will become a trend that will spread across the league. Some executives believe other players could follow Brunson’s example and help their teams avoid the league’s new second luxury tax tier.
Another executive told ESPN’s Kevin Pelton that the apron could actually help teams in salary negotiations with players. Teams could argue that the second apron limits the amount they can offer, which wasn’t the case under the previous single-tier luxury tax system.
This may be wishful thinking on the part of some executives — Bridges is an isolated case so far — but one of his teammates may be preparing to follow his lead. Other players may not be so open-minded.
Meanwhile, a trend that has continued for the past decade or so, players may have to accept some compromises if they want to team up with friends in the league. For at least some players, that could mean a tough decision between maximizing their income or playing in the most competitive situation.
