Tom Brady predicts Knicks' NBA Finals run while speaking to Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart
NFL legend Tom Brady predicted an NBA Finals run for the New York Knicks while speaking to Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart on the "Roommates Show" at Fanatics Fest in New York last week. Brady made the prediction as he reassured the Knicks teammates after they said that they didn't relate when Brady compared the Super Bowl to the NBA Finals.
"I have a feeling you're gonna get there," Brady said.
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart are yet to win their first NBA championship after six and seven years in the league, respectively. The closest Brunson has gotten to the NBA Finals was when he played for the Dallas Mavericks, as they were eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference finals of the 2022 playoffs.
Meanwhile, Hart came closest to the feat during the Knicks playoff run in the previous season. The Knicks were eliminated after they fell short in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Indiana Pacers.
Both Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart put up a valiant effort to keep their playoff run alive. Brunson averaged an impressive 32.4 points, 7.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds in the postseason, while Hart averaged 14.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.0 steals.
The Knicks' 2023-24 playoff run was also the closest they've come to the NBA Finals since 2013. The last time they reached the NBA Finals was in 1999, and they have yet to win an NBA championship since their last win in 1973.
Jalen Brunson talks about taking $113 million pay cut for Knicks
In an episode of the "Roommates Show" two weeks ago, Jalen Brunson opened up about taking the potential $113 million pay cut by signing an extension with the New York Knicks this offseason. The two-time NBA All-Star believes it was the right call and highlighted that he wants to win a championship with the Knicks.
“It was the most money I can get at this point in time," Brunson said. "Obviously made the most sense. You obviously want to set up for obviously to be well off, like your family… But it was kind of simple.
“I wanted to be here, I wanted to show that actions speak louder than just talking about stuff. And I know I want this team to be together for a long time, I want to win here.”
Jalen Brunson recently signed a four-year, $156 million extension with the New York Knicks, which is around $113 million less than what he potentially could have received had he signed next year.
His sacrifice allowed the team to retain OG Anunoby, as he signed a five-year, $212.5 million contract in this summer's free agency. It also enabled the Knicks enough cap room to add Mikal Bridges to their roster ahead of next season.