I keep seeing people say more star players should be like Brunson with leaving money on the table to help facilitate winning. The Knicks are basically run by people that are like family to him. Brunson’s godfather is the GM. Brunson’s godfather’s son is his agent. There’s a level of trust there that typically does not exist! Brunson knows the Knicks are going to eventually take care of him no matter where his game is at when he’s extension eligible again. He also knows they are going to use the savings to actually try to win. Could most players trust teams to do that? HELL NO!
Lastly, winning and being a star on the Knicks comes with lifelong ancillary benefits that make the swing worthwhile.
Basically, Brunson didn’t take much of a risk. It was admirable to do, because he did not have to do it…but we shouldn’t act like it’s the same situation every star is faced with. Teams will turn on guys in a heartbeat, no matter what they’ve done for them in the past.