Jalen Brunson took $113 million less in his extension with the New York Knicks than he could have gotten by re-signing next summer. That was a major sacrifice by Brunson and really helps the Knicks. Some around the NBA think that could start a trend.
Some executives said the new CBA rules, particularly those around the second apron, helped keep spending under control this summer. Teams used the second apron as a de facto hard cap, due to the limitations it can put on a team. This forced teams to prioritize spending in a new way, as opposed to just committing to large luxury tax bills.
As for Brunson, some now think he may have set a precedent by taking less money. Teams could use that as a pitch to other star players as a way to give them roster-building flexibility under the tax aprons.