"Brunson going the Dennis Schroeder route" - NBA fans perplexed as Jalen Brunson takes $113 million pay cut on Knicks

Fans are reacting to New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson taking a $113 million pay cut after signing a new four-year extension with the team. Brunson recently agreed to a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension to stay with the Knicks through 2029.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the deal will reportedly start in 2025, earning Brunson a guaranteed $37 million for the first three years of his new deal with a player option for the last year. Woj reported that Sam Rose, Brunson's agent, is expected to recover the $113 million on his next deal.

Rose shared that Brunson would be set up for a four-year, $323 million maximum extension in 2028. There's also an option for the star point guard to sign a five-year, $418 million in 2029.

After finding out about this news, fans were quick to chime in about Brunson losing out on the additional $133 million he could've gotten from the Knicks. Here are some of what the fans had to say.

"Jalen Brunson going the Dennis Schroeder route I see," one fan said.

"Thibs really made Jalen take a pay cut because of that butt dial," another fan said.

"Bro really sacrificed 113 million for the power of friendship," one fan said.

Other fans applauded the star point guard for his willingness to take a massive pay cut.

"This is what a 'paycut' is @KingJames," one fan even called out LeBron James.

"Respect. He is fully committed to winning a championship for New York," another fan admired Brunson's desire to win a title.

"He’s officially the greatest Knick of all time," one fan is ready to crown him as the GOAT Knick.

This move should strengthen the love affair between New York and the leader of the "Nova Knicks".

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How Jalen Brunson's contract extension could've looked if he waited

Many were surprised to see Jalen Brunson agree to have a massive pay cut to stay with the Knicks, wondering what his contract would've looked like if he waited until next season.

The one-time All-Star could've signed a five-year deal that allowed him to earn over $200 million. In his first year, Brunson could've earned $46 million, $50 million in his second year, and $53 in the third year of the deal. Leading to him earning $57 million in the fourth year and $61 million in the final year of the deal, totaling $261 million over the next five years.

However, the star guard wanted the Knicks to have more financial flexibility after acquiring Mikal Bridges. The former Brooklyn Nets forward is due an extension next year and Brunson's pay cut will be useful for them.