Josh Hart dubs Jalen Brunson as 'GOAT' for taking $113 million pay cut on Knicks extension

New York Knicks workhorse Josh Hart had praise for his All-Star teammate, Jalen Brunson, after taking a $113 million pay cut. The Knicks signed Brunson to a four-year, $156.5 million contract extension, keeping him with the franchise until 2029.

Fans were surprised with the amount of money he left off from what he originally would've gotten, including Hart. The Knicks are locked in with their Villanova alumni. The organization and the star are on the same page with their goal of winning the title.

The one-time All-Star would've been eligible to sign a five-year, $261 million contract extension in 2025. However, he opted to help the team financially by taking a pay cut. Hart didn't hesitate to commend Brunson and his decision to earn less.

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"We pouring honey on you goat @jalenbrunson1," Hart posted on X.

Hart didn't stop at one compliment for his friend on social media. The rebounding forward even campaigned for the Knicks to build Brunson a statue for his sacrifice.

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"Build him a statue."

Brunson's pay cut would allow them to sign Mikal Bridges to a contract extension next year, strengthening their core. Bridges was acquired by the Knicks this summer after they traded veteran forward Bojan Bogdanovic.

The Knicks have established Brunson as their franchise star after leading the team to back-to-back playoff appearances. Last season, the point guard earned his first All-Star selection after averaging 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 6.7 assists. He was also named to the All-NBA Second Team.

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Josh Hart is getting comfortable with Bridges

The Knicks welcomed the newest member of their team, Bridges, after they traded him from the Brooklyn Nets. The two-way forward was welcomed to the team's locker room and Josh Hart immediately made him feel welcome, in the most Josh Hart way possible.

The Knicks posted a video of Bridges inside the team's locker room. Hart didn't waste any time as he requested the organization not to put his locker beside the new guy's. He posted his request on X (formerly Twitter), where everyone got a chance to see it.

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"DO NOT put his locker next to mine," Hart posted.

Fans are aware that Hart's shenanigans on social media are all in good fun. Both he and Bridges were teammates in college as they went to Villanova. Knicks guards Donte DiVincenzo and Brunson were also part of their college team.

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