Knicks escape punishment after NBA probe clears Rick Brunson promotion

In December 2023, the NBA concluded its investigation into the New York Knicks concerning the promotion of assistant coach Rick Brunson. The investigation inquired whether Brunson's pay increase was linked to his son Jalen Brunson signing a team-friendly contract extension, potentially violating salary-cap rules. The Knicks vehemently denied these allegations, describing them as 'offensive' and a form of harassment towards the organization due to its stance on various NBA issues. Rick Brunson had taken over the role previously held by Johnnie Bryant, who left for the Cavaliers, and he received the same salary as Bryant, reinforcing the argument that his promotion was justified and warranted based on his qualifications and past contributions. Jalen Brunson publicly supported his father's promotion, highlighting that Rick had been deeply involved in basketball both in coaching and as a former player, serving well under head coach Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks had faced scrutiny as they were already found to have violated league rules in December of that year, involving improper discussions related to free agency, resulting in a penalty of losing a 2025 second-round pick. However, regarding Rick Brunson's promotion, the NBA found no basis for the allegations that connected it to Jalen's contract extension. This resolution allowed the Knicks to move forward without consequence in that specific matter, refocusing on their goals for the season and maintaining the integrity of their coaching staff and organizational practices. The outcome of the investigation reflects the complexities of the NBA's salary-cap rules and the scrutiny teams face in managing player contracts and coaching staff promotions amid competitive business practices in professional sports.