Jalen Brunson endorsed the idea of the New York Knicks running it back with their same core that reached Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks reached the second round last season, but replaced Isaiah Hartenstein, Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo with the additions of Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns.
“The most confidence," said Brunson. "Overconfident. Seriously. There's not an ounce of any type of doubt that I'm not confident with this group.”
Brunson and Towns were each All-NBA selections, but there have been some questions during the playoffs about the fit of the two together due to their collective liabilities on defense and whether they amplify each other on offense. In the Knicks' Game 3 win, Tom Thibodeau left Brunson on the bench for an extended period while Towns took over the game on offense. Thibodeau similarly kept Towns on the bench during key points of Game 2.
The Knicks have been linked at various times to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant, who may each be traded in the offseason.
Brunson signed a four-year, $156 million extension last offseason, eschewing the five-year, $270 million extension he could have signed this offseason had he chosen to wait. The Knicks have internally expected to outlast their rivals due to the flexibility of Brunson signing for a discount.
Mikal Bridges will be eligible for a contract extension this offseason following his high priced acquisition from the Brooklyn Nets last June.
