$32 Million Decision Could Worsen Jalen Brunson’s Situation as Lakers Doors Open For 29YO Knicks Star

In the wake of the New York Knick’s heartbreaking loss to the Indiana Pacers, many questions remain unanswered. First, could Jalen Brunson have carried the Knicks to the Finals if Julius Randle was present? Or would the result be the same? that’s a circumstantial answer. Secondly, what’s in the future for New York?

Next season, Randle will have a salary of $30 Million, with a player option in 2025. According to Sams Charania on ‘Run It Back’, “Teams are monitoring this situation for sure, because how [the Knicks] handle that extension situation, if that is a conversation, what transpires, I think that will be interesting.”

Randle may choose to opt out of the deal in 2025, considering that the Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams closely monitoring him. The Knicks have also had a lot of prerequisites before signing an extension with Randle.  This is because Brunson’s contract extension is probably the first thing on their list, considering the leap in his game the Knicks will give him a max-level contract. However, that means they won’t be able to keep Randle.

Further down the line, these players will become more expensive. So, the wise thing to do for the New York front office would be to lure a Lakers star their way in exchange for Randle, and it is no surprise that LeBron James is an option they are exploring. On the flip side, this Play offs have are proof that Brunson isn’t a trade option considering his performances a better option is to give him support in the form of another star.

Jalen Brunson’s leap to becoming a New York legend

This post-season, the 6-foot guard played 13 games averaging 32.4 points while doing it. However, that really doesn’t give us the entire scope of his massive contributions. Out of those 13 Games, Brunson had five 40-point games, practically carrying the team on his back while leading the charge. Besides that, he also led New York in assists per game with 7.5 flaunting his ability to pass the offensive load around while also being a scorer.

If Brunson had dependable help in scoring as he had in rebounding from Josh Hart, the Knicks might have been facing Boston. Retaining both, Randle and Brunson might prove to be difficult for the Knicks, especially considering their future. So next season might be the only real shot this current roster has to win a championship.