Boomer declares Friday 'Jalen Brunson Day,' breaks down reasons to take big Knicks discount
Jalen Brunson became eligible to sign an extension with the Knicks on Friday, which many expect him to do despite it resulting in a discount that players rarely accept in the NBA.
Brunson could wait until next offseason and sign an extension for nearly $100 million more, but Boomer says Friday will be a day to celebrate the Knicks star for his part in putting the franchise in better position to contend in the years to come thanks to the contract he will likely sign.
"I am declaring today Jalen Brunson Day," Boomer said. "He's gonna sign it. He's gonna sign it for two reasons. Number one, he's Jalen Brunson, he loves the Knicks and loves playing for the Knicks…and he also knows that the Knicks would gain some flexibility for the next few years if he signs the extension now."
The other reason goes beyond helping out the team that he loves, as Boomer says signing this four-year, $156 million extension will also allow Brunson to set himself up for a massive payday in a few years.
"He would leave all that money on the table because the extension would also likely include a player opt-out in 2028," Boomer said. "What is going on in the NBA and their media rights deals? He will sign his extension, it will kick in next year, but will also have an opt-out. When 2028 comes around, assuming Jalen is playing the way he did last year…then he can sign a supermax extension because he'll have been in the league for 10 years, and that supermax extension could be for over $400 million."
