New York Knicks are hoping to keep Jalen Brunson in the Madison Square Garden for many years. Brunson could be available to hold contract extension talks with the Knicks this summer, and the latest rumors suggest that the guard could be willing to sign a new deal before the end of his current one.
According to Steve Popper of Newsday (h/t Bleacher Report), Jalen Brunson would be open to negotiate a new deal this coming summer. Brunson has two years remaining in his $104M contract he signed with the Knicks in 2022.
“I’ve heard whispers that Jalen Brunson would be open to discussions to do [an extension] this summer,” Popper said during an appearance on The Putback with Ian Begley.
Jalen Brunson exceeded the expectation for a deal that was considered overpayment in the summer of 2022. Brunson became a superstar in New York after playing alongside Luka Doncic in Dallas during his first four seasons of his NBA career.
He has averaged 26.0 points through the 139 games he wore the Knicks’ jersey. He became a first time All-Star this season, leading the Knicks inside the Top-5 of the Eastern Conference. They are currently holding the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 45-31.
With Brunson reportedly open to an extension, the Knicks might opt to offer a new contract to their All-Star after the end of the season.
"I've heard whispers that Jalen Brunson would be open to discussions to do [an extension] this summer" – @StevePopper
Ian, Steve, and @JCMacriNBA talk about how Julius Randle's season-ending injury will affect the Knicks on The Putback with @IanBegley: https://t.co/StRtXmwONG pic.twitter.com/jcdK6uJAqC
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) April 4, 2024
Amid Jalen Brunson contract extension rumors, Julius Randle reflects on season-ending shoulder injury
Amid an up-and-down stretch, the New York Knicks received a devastated update on Julius Randle who will undergo a season-ending shoulder surgery. Randle shared his thoughts on his decision to miss the rest of the season and revealed that said he suffered a setback during the rehab process.
Randle noted that his intention was to play through the injury and fix the issue after the end of the season. However, the setback he suffered few weeks ago forced to forfeit his initial plans.
“That was my intention, to be playing right now. That’s why I didn’t opt for surgery when it happened. But what caused me to finally go through with getting surgery was about five weeks ago, I went through a full-contact session in pads and re-injured my shoulder,” Randle revealed to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
“Choosing to get surgery was my only option at this point. It’s frustrating, but I’m at peace knowing I tried everything.”
Randle played a crucial part in the New York Knicks resurgence during the last three seasons along with Jalen Brunson. He averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists through 46 appearances this season.
