Jalen Brunson Reaffirms Championship Goal With Knicks
jalen-brunson-reaffirms-championship-goal-with-knicks
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson said his childhood dream of winning an NBA championship still drives him today, less than three months after the club’s run ended in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers.
Speaking on the “Roommates Show” podcast released on Aug. 25, 2025, Brunson explained that every personal benchmark remains tied to a team result.
“All of my goals are basically team-based,” Brunson said. “The main goal is always to win a chip. I don’t think that’s ever really gonna change.”
Hart Shares Same Mind-Set
Teammate Josh Hart echoed Brunson’s sentiment during the same episode. “I think the ultimate goal hasn’t changed,” the forward noted, adding that family considerations have altered some smaller priorities but not the pursuit of a title.
Knicks’ Offseason Moves
New York extended forward Mikal Bridges last month on a four-year, $150 million contract that includes a player option for the 2029-30 season. The front office also bolstered the second unit by signing Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele.
With Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson, and second-year center Ariel Hukporti already in place, the Knicks enter the 2025-26 campaign with multiple options in the frontcourt.
One Roster Spot Remains
The club still has one vacancy. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, New York remains the frontrunner for unrestricted free agent Ben Simmons and is also monitoring guard Landry Shamet. If neither signs, the Knicks could look at former NBA champion Thomas Bryant, who averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds in 56 games for the Pacers last season.
For Brunson, regardless of who joins the roster, the objective is clear: “You win or you don’t succeed—plain and simple.”
Source: Basketball Insiders
