NEW YORK — Journalist Pablo Torre has turned his investigative eye toward the New York Knicks. After exposing Kawhi Leonard’s questionable financial ties, Torre says he’s now looking into Jalen Brunson’s recent $113 million contract extension.
Pablo Torre Opens Investigation Into Jalen Brunson’s Extension
On Pablo Torre Finds Out, Torre revealed troubling details about Leonard’s endorsement deal with Aspiration, a now-bankrupt “tree brokerage” once backed by Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. Records tied Leonard directly to KL2 Aspire LLC, a creditor in the bankruptcy. Torre reported Leonard pocketed between $28 and $48 million in what appears to be a salary-cap loophole.
The revelations have sparked louder demands for Torre to dig deeper into the Knicks’ financial structure. That brings us to Brunson.
Brunson’s Discount
In July 2024, Brunson signed a four-year, $156 million extension with New York. That figure sits far below the five-year, $270 million maximum he could have earned by waiting. The decision stunned executives and agents across the league.
The contract saves the Knicks over $100 million in obligations, freeing flexibility under the restrictive new CBA. It also allowed the team to extend Mikal Bridges at full market value while staying under the second apron. The Knicks now have a cleaner path to keeping their Villanova trio—Brunson, Bridges, and Josh Hart—together for years.
Still, critics wonder: why leave $113 million behind?
Torre’s Next Chapter
On The Dan Patrick Show, Torre admitted that “several people have asked me to look into Jalen Brunson’s finances.” He acknowledged the public pressure, saying he has “given in to demands.”
That statement turned speculation into storyline. If Torre begins connecting dots in Brunson’s case as he did with Leonard, the Knicks could face questions about whether the guard’s massive discount reflects hidden financial maneuvering.
The possibility of another salary-cap scandal—especially involving the Knicks’ centerpiece—would rattle the NBA.
The Larger Question
The saga isn’t about whether Brunson deserves his deal. He does. The question is whether his choice to sign early, at such a steep discount, was purely personal or influenced by outside factors.
Torre has proven willing to follow the money. And now, his focus on Jalen Brunson, Pablo Torre hints at a storm still gathering over Madison Square Garden.
Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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