Jalen Brunson’s $113 million sacrifice has, in a way, become a landmark moment in NBA history for how to boost a team’s championship chances. But before the Knicks became the 2026 NBA champions, Brunson faced a lot of criticism and skepticism from across the league for his decision.
Draymond Green, the Warriors’ veteran, was one of the people who initially doubted the precedent Brunson was setting by taking the $113 million pay cut and accepting a $154 million contract in 2024.
Josh Hart has now seen Green’s resurfaced comments on social media and decided to respond to his criticism.
“We got to normalize grown men not counting other people’s pockets,” wrote Hart on X.
The Warriors veteran sat down with Jeff Teague and the Club 520 podcast in July 2024, where he revealed his skepticism about Brunson’s decision.
“It’s the New York Knicks, bro. They can afford it. You ain’t got to take no discount for them to get paid. My situation is different because Steph is making $270 million, Klay is making $180 million. All right, somebody’s got to give. Cool. I can take less.”
“But he’s the top guy. Let Josh Hart or somebody else take less. They’re in my role. Guess what, Steph Curry ain’t taking a penny less. And neither did Klay Thompson ain’t take a penny less. For this to work, somebody has to. And I didn’t even expect them to take a penny less.”
“I don’t know what he’s doing. I’m still happy for him though. But that’s $100 million,” Green said in 2024.
These comments have now resurfaced on social media, which stirred a reaction from the 2026 NBA champion. Millions of fans saw Hart’s response on social media and decided to extend support in the comments section. Almost all of them criticized Green for his remarks.
“Wait til KAT takes less next and this core stays together for a 4-5 year championship window. They hate to see the selflessness!!!”
“Let’s also normalize ignoring anything Draymond Green says.”
“Draymond has been overpaid for about 5-6 years now.”
“My guy, focus on not getting ejected before the All-Star break. You can’t be everybody’s financial advisor.”
“He’s losing his mind bc the Knicks made him look like a fool.”
Even though these comments are from nearly two years ago, the silence period only shows that Jalen Brunson’s actions spoke louder than words. The Knicks winning the 2026 NBA championship certainly shut down the critics.
Moreover, Jalen Brunson is now expecting a contract extension in the range of $280 million to $300 million in 2027. This, combined with Hart’s response, now only goes to show that revenge is indeed a dish that is best served cold.
