Jalen Brunson might have respect for LeBron James, but he's not going to beg him to join the New York Knicks.
Brunson cemented his status as a New York legend last month, leading the Knicks to their first championship since 1973. He came up clutch time and time again against the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 32.6 points per game during the Finals.
While at Fanatics Fest this week, Brunson was asked if he's tried to recruit James to the Knicks. The reigning Finals MVP made it clear that he's not worried about adding more firepower to his supporting cast.
"My job is to put the ball in the hoop. Try and play a little defense. There’s people who are above me who determine who’s on the team and who’s not," Brunson said. "I’ll leave the pitching to them."
Most Knicks fans adored this comment from Brunson, claiming he's not "bending the knee" to the NBA's all-time leading scorer.
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"There is no confidence more solidified than defending champion confidence," one fan said. "Jalen Brunson has earned the right to be completely unbothered by free agency."
"Captain doesn’t need to making begging phone calls from the parking lot like Draymond did to KD," a second fan wrote.
"It’s kinda gangster that he’s seemingly the only star that isn’t openly pitching Bron on joining their team," another fan commented.
"Yea not gonna lie, he is right and if LeBron wanted to be in NY he would’ve went," a social media user added.
Was LeBron considering the Knicks as an option?
James' longtime agent, Rich Paul, claims the Knicks would've been the No. 1 landing spot for his client had they lost the NBA Finals.
“If the Knicks hadn’t won, there would be no board,” Paul said. “He’d be going to the Knicks.”
As for the Knicks' interest in James, SNY insider Ian Begley said the defending champions are "very happy" with their current core led by Brunson.
Barring a sudden turn of events, James is expected to choose Cleveland, Miami or Philadelphia.
