Is Jalen Brunson playing tonight? Exploring All-Star Knicks guard's availability vs Timberwolves (Oct. 13)

The New York Knicks are a perfect 2-0 in the NBA preseason and a large part of that success is due to Jalen Brunson. The All-Star point guard has been in outstanding form over the team's opening games. Brunson is healthy and will suit up once again on Sunday night versus the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden.

With the start of the regular season just 11 days away, the preseason offers organizations a chance to get a look at some of the team's fringe players. Like many big name stars, Brunson's time out on the court has been limited over the preseason, but he is expected to see some minutes on Sunday.

The former Villanova star led by example in the Knicks opener against the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, finishing with 12 points and three assists over 15 minutes.

Brunson followed that up with another efficient display in the team's 117-94 victory over the Washington Wizards. He started the game and played 23 minutes, finishing with 23 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Only Karl-Anthony Towns had more points (25) on the night.

Last season, Jalen Brunson lead the Knicks roster in points (28.7) and assists (6.7) per game. New York will be hoping that the talented point guard can continue to put up big numbers next season.

Jalen Brunson left a large sum on the table when signing his contract with the Knicks this summer

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson warms up before the game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Photo Credit: Imagn

After Brunson finished the 2023-24 season as one of the league's top performers, it was no surprise the New York Knicks were keen to hold on to their star player. The 28-year-old signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension with the organization, but could have received a significantly larger sum if he chose to hold out.

Brunson was set to become a free agent after the 2025 season and would have been eligible for a five-year, $269.1 million contract. Instead, he opted to remain in the Big Apple and offer the Knicks a team-friendly deal that sets up the organization well for the coming year.

Jalen Brunson's contract freed up a significant amount of the team's payroll and paved the way for Karl-Anthony Towns trade this summer. Per Spotrac, Towns is still owed over $220 million over the next four years, and the contract was a major commitment from the Knicks.

With the additions of Towns and Mikal Bridges this summer, New York has added some star talent and will start the upcoming season as one of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference.