The NBA has closed its investigation into the Knicks’ decision to promote assistant coach Rick Brunson.
Brunson, the father of New York All-NBA guard Jalen Brunson, was recently promoted to a lead assistant role under coach Tom Thibodeau. Rick Brunson earned his new role with the Knicks this offseason, just as his son signed what will be a four-year, $157 million contract extension to remain with the team long-term.
Jalen Brunson could have been eligible for a five-year max deal worth an estimated $269 million had he waited until free agency this summer. The elder Brunson, a former league veteran guard, has been a coach since 2007 and has served on the staffs of Denver, Chicago, Charlotte and Minnesota. He has been on Thibodeau’s staff since 2022, when Jalen joined the team as a free agent.