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[Saba Sports News] Jalen Brunson is the most generous superstar the New York Knicks have ever dealt with. Former franchise player Carmelo Anthony admitted he never would have taken a $113 million pay cut for the team’s benefit.
“Is he getting that on the back end?” George asked.
“I’m not doing it,” Anthony responded, laughing.
Anthony, who earned over $262.5 million in his career, finds Brunson’s pay cut unbelievable. He pointed out that making $113 million off the court is almost impossible.
“He left $113 million on the table. I know he isn’t paying for anything in New York; he’s a legend already,” George said. “Is he making that back up on the back end?”
“You can’t make $113 million off the court,” Anthony replied. “That’s different. He should be making something, but $113 million on the back end is crazy.”
While Brunson will make extra cash from endorsements, leaving nine figures on the table is significant. Brunson did it to help New York’s salary cap flexibility in its championship quest.
How will Brunson’s legacy compare to Anthony’s? Carmelo Anthony is a Knicks legend, but Jalen Brunson could become the franchise GOAT.
Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire revived the Knicks, leading to three straight playoff appearances from 2010-13. However, after Anthony’s five-year, $124 million max extension in 2014, the team struggled until Julius Randle arrived in 2020-21.
Brunson’s arrival has set the Knicks up for long-term success. The 27-year-old has already led the team to two playoff series wins in two seasons, more than Anthony achieved. The Brunson-led Knicks are poised to improve further, especially with Mikal Bridges expected to join on a team-friendly deal.
Whether or not Brunson brings a championship to New York, he’s done everything possible to make it happen.