Green: Knicks' Brunson 'did the Draymond' by taking discount

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green believes Jalen Brunson took a page out of his book by taking a big pay cut with the New York Knicks.

During a recent appearance on the "Club 520 Podcast," Green likened Brunson's four-year, $156.5-million contract extension to his own four-year, $100-million deal with the Warriors last year.

"He did the Draymond Green," Green said. "Because I signed that four for $100 (million) and if I waited, I could've got like four (years) for $180 (million). But I needed to lock my money in."

Brunson left $113 million on the table with his new deal, as he would've been eligible to sign a five-year, $269-million contract as a free agent in 2025.

Green explained that he agreed to a pay cut with the Warriors due to the risk that came with chasing more money, but he doesn't think Brunson would've had any difficulty landing a bigger contract.

"I'd rather lock that $100 (million) in there to make sure I got that. ... Chasing that extra $60 (million) or $80 (million) ... I just wasn't willing to take that risk," Green said. "And Jalen may not be willing to take that risk, but he's different. You're the No. 1 option on the New York Knicks.

"And by the way - not only are you the No. 1 option on the New York Knicks, and that's cool, but the city of New York loves you. You're gonna get that $250 (million) regardless."

The 27-year-old Brunson is coming off a career season in which he averaged 28.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game while earning All-Star and All-NBA honors for the first time.