Is New York Knicks’ Jalen Brunson the greatest teammate in NBA history?

A trip to the basketball opinion world finally provided some optimism about Jalen Brunson’s groundbreaking contract extension with the New York Knicks.

Some NBA alumni who spent time with the Knicks, known for their long careers despite their brief stays in the metropolis, weren’t as enthusiastic about Brunson’s cut. Concerns about the $113 million cut range from the changing nature of the NBA transaction market to whether the Knicks are truly a championship contender with Brunson and his fellow Villanova Wildcats players locked in for the long haul.

There was a rare sense of optimism from former Knicks Raymond Felton and Theo Pinson on the Tidal League web series “To the Baha.” While both admit to being taken aback by Brunson’s generosity, they certainly hope Brunson’s fellow New Yorkers will thank them.

“My man turned down 113 (million),” said Pinson, a Knick for 17 games in 2020-21 (h/t Knicks Muse on X). “I’ll always say it this way: Jalen Brunson is the best teammate in NBA history. He’s the best teammate in NBA history. Stamp it. But no, I’m not taking a $113 million pay cut while living in New York City!”

Pinson, who spent this past season with the G League’s Texas Legends (an affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks), knows Brunson’s teammate’s experience firsthand, having previously worked with him at North Texas during the 2021-22 season. The two previously faced off in the 2016 NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship Game on opposite sides of the Villanova-North Carolina showdown. Like Brunson, Pinson entered the league in 2018, albeit as an undrafted free agent with the Brooklyn Nets.

Brunson’s breakthrough in Manhattan has given the Knicks their first semblance of glory since the 2012-13 season, part of Felton’s last of two stints in New York (2010-11, 2012-14). Like Pinson, Felton was shocked by the amount of money left on the table, but he also praised his qualities as a teammate.

“No way!” Felton said when asked by his former Tar Heel colleague if he would make a similar sacrifice. “Hey, look, Jalen Brunson: I know you’re the ultimate teammate, I know you’re a great guy. But come on, man, I’m not passing up that kind of money. That’s too much money.”

While opinions on Brunson’s deal will continue to vary (at least beyond the reach of grateful Knicks fans), the relative praise from Felton and Pinson is refreshing compared to other recent reactions from former Madison Square Garden residents.

For example, Dennis Scott noted that Brunson’s sacrifice “ruined the game” while covering a Summer League game on NBA TV, while Brandon Jennings refused to view the Knicks as championship contenders.

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