---

“You Sacrifice Who You Are & What You’re About for the Betterment of the Team”: Mike Brown Praises Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges for Leaving Money on the Table

In the world of professional basketball, where contracts soar into the hundreds of millions and financial security often drives major decisions, the concept of sacrificing money for the sake of team success has become increasingly rare. Yet, in a moment that has caught the attention of both fans and fellow players, New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson and Brooklyn Nets wing Mikal Bridges have chosen a different path.

Both players reportedly turned down larger financial opportunities in order to solidify their futures with their respective teams while also ensuring roster flexibility for the organizations. Their decision has drawn wide praise across the NBA, including from Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown, who offered a powerful reflection on the act of selflessness.

“You sacrifice who you are and what you’re about for the betterment of the team,” Brown said. “And there’s no better way to show that publicly—to show your teammates and everyone else—than to do what they did.”

A Rare Act in Today’s NBA

The NBA is a business, and players are constantly reminded that careers can be short, contracts aren’t guaranteed beyond their clauses, and franchises often make decisions without sentiment. That reality makes Brunson and Bridges’ actions even more striking.

Instead of maximizing their earnings on the open market, both players accepted contracts that give their franchises more financial breathing room to build around them. For Brunson, the decision comes at a time when he is emerging as the face of the Knicks, leading them deep into playoff contention and reestablishing Madison Square Garden as a marquee basketball stage. Bridges, meanwhile, has become one of the league’s most dependable two-way players, valued not only for his defense but also for his durability and growing offensive skillset.

Their choices run counter to the prevailing narrative in the NBA, where “max contracts” dominate the offseason headlines. Instead, Brunson and Bridges appear to be prioritizing winning, legacy, and the trust of their teammates over individual wealth.

Mike Brown’s Perspective

As a coach with decades of experience in the NBA, Mike Brown understands the delicate balance between individual ambition and collective sacrifice. Having coached stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and De’Aaron Fox, he has seen firsthand how difficult it is for players to set aside personal gain for the greater good.

His praise for Brunson and Bridges was not just about the dollars and cents. Brown highlighted the symbolic weight of their decisions—how such gestures ripple across a locker room.

“When your teammates see that you’re willing to put the team first, it sets the standard,” Brown explained. “It’s not just about taking a charge on defense or diving for a loose ball. It’s about saying, ‘I believe in this group so much that I’m willing to invest part of myself in it.’ That inspires everyone else to do the same.”

The Historical Precedent

While rare, there is precedent for NBA stars taking less money to create winning environments. The most famous example remains the Miami Heat’s “Big Three” era when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh each left money on the table to play together and compete for championships. More recently, players like Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kevin Durant at different points in their careers accepted below-market deals in order to allow their franchises to strengthen the roster around them.

Brunson and Bridges’ decisions fall in line with that tradition, suggesting that the competitive fire to win still carries weight in an era often dominated by financial discussions.

The Impact on the Knicks and Nets

For the Knicks, Brunson’s team-friendly deal allows the front office to remain aggressive in pursuit of complementary stars. New York has already built a gritty, defensive-minded roster around him, and his leadership has transformed the team’s culture. By sacrificing financially, Brunson ensures the Knicks have flexibility to add depth and remain contenders in the Eastern Conference.

For the Nets, Bridges’ choice reflects both his personal values and his belief in the organization’s long-term vision. Since being acquired from Phoenix in the Kevin Durant trade, he has embraced the role of cornerstone and locker room leader. His willingness to give up potential earnings signals a commitment to stability and a focus on building a sustainable winner in Brooklyn.

Setting an Example

Brown’s comments point to a larger truth about professional sports: the actions of leaders set the tone for everyone else. When stars like Brunson and Bridges prioritize team success, younger players take notice. It creates a culture where sacrifice is normalized—not just in financial terms, but in effort, accountability, and selflessness on the court.

In a league where egos and individual brands can sometimes overshadow team goals, these moves serve as a refreshing reminder of basketball’s essence. Championships aren’t won by individuals alone; they’re earned by groups willing to put aside personal interests for collective glory.

Fan and Media Reaction

Unsurprisingly, fans have reacted with overwhelming positivity. Knicks fans have lauded Brunson as the leader they’ve been waiting for since the Patrick Ewing era, while Nets fans see Bridges as the embodiment of loyalty and work ethic. Analysts across ESPN, The Athletic, and NBA TV have described their decisions as “culture-shaping” and “a blueprint for sustainable success.”

Social media buzz also reflects how unusual the moves are. In an offseason often dominated by trade demands and max-contract negotiations, the idea of players leaving money on the table feels almost revolutionary.

Conclusion: Sacrifice as the Ultimate Leadership

Mike Brown’s words cut to the heart of what makes Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges’ decisions so meaningful. In choosing sacrifice over personal gain, they’ve done more than just balance a franchise’s salary cap—they’ve set a standard for their teammates, their organizations, and even the league at large.

“You sacrifice who you are and what you’re about for the betterment of the team,” Brown said. And in doing so, Brunson and Bridges have proven that leadership isn’t just about scoring points or making big plays. Sometimes, it’s about making tough choices that elevate everyone around you.

As the Knicks and Nets prepare for the next NBA season, they will do so with stars who have made their priorities clear: winning first, everything else second. And for coaches like Mike Brown—and fans who cherish the team-first ethos—that might be the most valuable contract of all.