Knicks’ Jalen Brunson Drops Major Quote on His Future

The New York Knicks are 37-21 and third in the Eastern Conference. Jalen Brunson has been at the centre of everything they have built since his arrival from Dallas in 2022. The three-time All-Star is averaging 26.8 points, 6.2 assists and 3.4 rebounds this season for a Knicks team with championship ambitions.

Last week, comments Brunson made in a Vanity Fair profile created a stir. He said he felt he had sacrificed on his last contract and hoped the Knicks would “do right by me” on the next one.

On Sunday, Brunson sat down with the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy and addressed it directly.

Brunson Makes His Feelings Clear

The clarification was not complicated.

“I would love to be here for the rest of my career,” Brunson told Bondy. “I love this place…I love the city, I love the fans, I love everything this place has offered me, on and off the court… And I’d love to stay.”

Brunson took less money to help build this team. He signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension in 2024, leaving an estimated $113 million on the table. The move gave New York the flexibility to re-sign OG Anunoby, acquire Mikal Bridges and trade for Karl-Anthony Towns.

He becomes extension-eligible again in 2027. A four-year deal in 2028 could be worth $323 million. By 2029 that figure reaches $418 million over five years. Both would be the largest contracts in Knicks history.

Brunson’s Vanity Fair comments were honest. But so are these. He is not looking for leverage. He wants to retire a Knick. Sunday’s interview made that clear.

What Comes Next for Brunson and the Knicks

Brunson led the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years last season. He has been an All-Star for three straight years. He came to New York when it was not the obvious choice and turned it into the only choice that made sense.

“There’s no better place to do anything,” Brunson said of MSG. “Not just play basketball, to do anything, perform anything that goes on in that arena.”

The contract conversation will come. But right now there is a championship to chase and Brunson has made clear he intends to chase it in New York.

Towns Echoes the Sentiment

The mood inside the Knicks organisation this weekend was one of clarity and conviction. It was not just Brunson. After Sunday night’s 105-99 win over the Bulls, Karl-Anthony Towns addressed the weight of championship expectations with the same directness.

“It’s a blessing to have expectations,” Towns said. “Means we’re doing something right. Last year we did a lot right, fans are expecting even more. My career has been full of pressure, and I understand criticism comes with that when you’re not succeeding. Rightfully so.”

He did not stop there.

“My whole career has been based on me getting that ring and winning,” Towns added. “And I understand more than ever now in my career that winning trumps everything. It’s gonna take all of us to win a championship.”

Two of New York’s biggest stars. The same week. The same message. Both of them mean it.

Final Word for the Knicks

Jalen Brunson chose New York when he did not have to. He took less money to stay. He is saying publicly that he wants to finish what he started.

Towns wants a championship and understands what earning one requires.

The Knicks are built for this moment. Their two best players are saying so out loud.

New York should believe them.

Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins