How Much Does Jalen Brunson Make A Year

Alright, let’s talk about Jalen Brunson. You know, the guy who went from a reliable role player to the man in New York. The guy who made Luka Dončić sweat. How much does he actually make a year?

Brace yourself. Because we’re talking about serious pizza money. Like, enough to buy every slice in Manhattan for a decade.

Let’s start with the number. As of the 2024-25 season, Jalen Brunson is pulling in about $24.96 million. Yes, that’s per year. No, that’s not a typo. Per year.

Now, that sounds like an absolute fortune. And it is. But in NBA terms? It’s honestly a steal. Like finding a vintage jersey at a thrift store.

Think about it. He signed a four-year, $104 million contract in 2022. That was a huge gamble for the Knicks. Everyone said, “Too much for a backup.” Who’s laughing now?

Last season, he turned into a full-blown superstar. Averaged nearly 29 points a game in the playoffs. He carried the Knicks like a backpack full of bricks. And he’s still underpaid compared to guys who just shoot threes and wave at the crowd.

The “Underpaid Superstar” Club

Here’s the funny part. Jalen Brunson could easily ask for $40 million a year right now. He’s earned it. But his contract runs through 2026, with a player option for 2025-26. He’s stuck on a team-friendly deal.

Is he mad about it? Probably not. The man is winning, he’s the franchise leader, and New York loves him like a slice of pepperoni. Plus, he’s making more in one week than most of us make in a decade. Perspective, folks.

Jalen Brunson Salary: How Much Does The Knicks Star Make?

But let’s break down the actual per-year numbers, because they’re funny. He made $24.3 million in 2023-24. This year it’s $24.96 million. Next year? It jumps to $24.96 million again (okay, it’s basically flat). He’s not exactly getting a raise. It’s like a cost-of-living adjustment from 2019.

Where Does All That Money Go?

I don’t know his exact budget. But I’m guessing it’s not all spent on avocado toast. He’s got an agent named Sam Rose, who’s probably taking a cute 3% cut. That’s about $750,000 a year just for the agent. Yikes.

Then there’s taxes. New York state and city tax are brutal. He’s probably losing almost 50% to Uncle Sam, the state, and the city. So that $24.96 million becomes maybe $12 million in hand. Still a lot. But suddenly that third-bathroom doesn’t feel as necessary.

He also pays for trainers, a chef, maybe a private jet rental for road trips. Wait, the team provides the plane. Okay, so he probably just buys a lot of sneakers.

Is He Worth It?

Let me ask you a rhetorical question. If the Knicks offered to trade Jalen Brunson for a random draft pick, would you scream at your TV? Yes. You would. He’s worth every penny.

Jalen Brunson Salary: How Much Does The Knicks Star Make?

Last season, he finished fifth in MVP voting. Fifth! That’s wild for a guy making less than Kyle Lowry. And he’s the heart of the team. The guy plays 36 minutes a night, takes charges, and hits cold-blooded stepbacks. You can’t put a price on that. Well, you can: $24.96 million.

But here’s the kicker. He might opt out of his contract after this season to sign a massive extension. The Knicks can offer him a four-year, $156.5 million deal. That’s about $39 million per year. Suddenly, he’s in the top-10 earner club. Good for him.

The Bottom Line

So, how much does Jalen Brunson make a year? Short answer: $24.96 million. Long answer: a ridiculous amount that still feels like a bargain.

If you’re jealous, don’t be. The man took less money to come home to New York. He’s a hero. And if he gets that max extension? He’ll be making more per year than the entire payroll of some WNBA teams. That’s just how the math works.

So next time you see him drain a stepback three, remember: that shot costs about $30,000 in salary per made basket. And honestly? I’d pay that to watch him play. But maybe not in cash. Maybe in bagels.

Now go grab a coffee. You’re not making $24 million a year. But hey, you’re probably not getting body-checked by Giannis Antetokounmpo either. That’s a trade-off.