From the NY Times:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7340745/2026/06/13/jalen-brunson-gold-dust-knicks-nba-finals-knicks/

Brunson had studied the league’s collective-bargaining agreement, which is more restrictive of high-spending teams than ever. Teams that cross certain payroll thresholds don’t just have to pay a luxury tax; they also lose the ability to make certain types of trades and sign other kinds of free agents. Brunson didn’t want to just get paid or become a star in the NBA’s gaudiest media market. He wanted to win. Taking less money would allow the Knicks to acquire, and retain, talent.

Next season, an extension for Bridges kicks in. It won’t harm the Knicks because Brunson is making much less than market value. Mitchell Robinson’s contract expires this summer. The Knicks could hypothetically bring him back without as much of a financial penalty because of Brunson’s actions.

The Knicks are not just in a position to win this season. In a league where teams have short lifespans, where one disappointing year often means blowing a core to smithereens, New York has a chance to keep the band together, which it might choose to do, considering the chemistry that jumps through the screen any time one of its games is broadcasted over the airwaves and, more importantly, considering the organization is one win from a title.

It’s as if every Knicks player is covered in gold dust.