The New York Knicks went into free agency with a plan, and that plan was made official last night at 9:30 after Jalen Brunson agreed to a four-year, $104 million contract (with a player option in the final season). He’ll be the 47th highest-paid player per annual salary in 2022-23.
New York’s point guard void is filled. The days of watching Alec Burks at point are long gone. The Knicks are looking to build on their young core, and at the age of 25, Brunson fits that mold. An added bonus is that he’s far from being at his best.
It’s time to think forward to 2022-23. Based on what New York’s roster is right now, how will Brunson fit? Spoiler alert: He’ll be a better fit than you think.
On that topic, let’s explore which 3 players will benefit the most from Brunson’s free agency signing.
3 Knicks players who will profit from Jalen Brunson’s free agency signing
3: RJ Barrett
For the first time since being drafted in 2019, RJ Barrett won’t have to worry about operating as New York’s primary ball handler. It’ll be a welcome change to have someone who actually does well at facilitating an offense.
With Brunson attacking the rim, which is his specialty, the defense will be drawn in and will open up looks for players like Barrett, who will be able to cut into the lane for a dish from Brunson, or he can remain around the perimeter. Admittedly, Barrett needs to improve his efficiency. In catch and shoot opportunities in 2021-22, he had a 54.1% EFG.
It should take a little bit for Brunson and Barrett to learn to share the floor, but that’s expected. Once the two of them get used to each other’s game and can form a type of chemistry, they’re going to be a duo worth watching.
2: Julius Randle
There have been slight rumblings of a possible Julius Randle trade, but by slight, I mean very slight. As in ‘it’s likely not going to happen during the offseason’ slight. So it’d be in the best interest for him and the Knicks if he were to have a bounce-back season in 2022-23.
And guess who can help make that happen? Brunson. Randle’s going to have to adjust to not having the ball in his hands 24/7, and while that may be something that he isn’t fond of shying away from, it’ll help his game.
Like Brunson, Randle uses his strength to create opportunities down low, and he can still do that, but he’s also going to get more open looks. After shooting 41.1% from three in his All-Star and MIP season in 2020-21, Randle followed it by shooting 30.8% from deep this past year. If he can get back to the shades of the 3-point shooter that he was in 2020-21, New York will profit.
It’s believed that Randle’s down year was because he succumbed to the pressure that came along with signing an extension and playing for the Knicks, of all teams. The addition of Brunson will help to relieve the pressure off the 27-year-old, and not because that pressure should be put on Brunson.
Randle needs to know that he doesn’t have to try to do everything on the offensive end of the floor, and Brunson’s signing will help to prove that to him.
1: Mitchell Robinson
Yes, this requires some assumption because Mitchell Robinson is an unrestricted free agent and hasn’t re-signed with the Knicks. But because New York signed a backup center in free agency, the belief is that the organization is going to bring their 2018 second-round pick back.
And, yes, Robinson’s game is limited offensively. He’s most effective in the post and doesn’t have a shot. As mentioned, Brunson loves to drive to the rim, so he could clog the lane for Robinson, but that’s something that the big man is going to have to get used to.
But as a passer, Brunson’s going to help to further unlock Robinson’s game. The guard threw a lot of lobs to the Mavericks’ big men (like Kristaps Porzingis) during his four years there, so imagine what he could accomplish with Robinson (and Obi Toppin, too). It’s going to be beautiful.
Depending on what other moves the Knicks make, it appears as if the main focus is now hashing out an extension for Robinson. With it currently being six hours past the 4 p.m. start date, and the market not being at its best, he could end up signing for less than the projected four years, $60 million. We’ll have to wait and see.
But you should go ahead and make it a point to make your way to MSG in the upcoming season to see Brunson and Robinson in action.
Update: As of 10:22 a.m. on Friday, Mitchell Robinson has agreed to a four-year, $60 million deal to stay in New York!
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