Before signing Jalen Brunson in 2022, Knicks president Leon Rose urged him to stay true to himself, saying his approach could elevate New York. Brunson later led the Knicks to the 2026 NBA title and was Finals MVP, averaging 32.6 points per game in the series.
The Knicks signed Brunson to a four-year, $104 million contract on July 12, 2022, after he averaged 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 18 playoff games as Dallas reached the Western Conference finals. With Luka Doncic sidelined, Brunson scored 41 points in Game 2 against Utah.
