Man holding a trophy and a glowing Texas outline with dollar signs
New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson, fresh off leading his team to their first championship in over 50 years, has revealed a surprising reason for his enduring fondness for Texas: its tax system. Despite his current success in New York, Brunson expressed a clear appreciation for the financial advantages of living in the Lone Star State.
Brunson, who began his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks and won a national championship at Villanova, noted the financial impact of Texas’s tax policies. “I have nothing against Texas. I love Texas. I miss the Texas taxes,” he told reporters following the Knicks’ championship-clinching victory.
The difference is substantial. While athletes in Texas are subject to a jock tax, they are exempt from state income tax. In contrast, Brunson, who resides in Westchester, New York, faces a combined state and city income tax rate of approximately 14.1%, in addition to a jock tax. This financial disparity becomes even more significant with his substantial earnings.
Brunson recently signed a four-year contract extension worth $156.5 million, with the extension set to begin in the 2025-26 season. He is currently earning around $34 million this season and is projected to earn nearly $38 million in the upcoming season, making the tax implications a considerable factor.
Beyond the financial aspect, Brunson also reflected on the emotional significance of winning a championship alongside former Villanova teammates Mikail Bridges and Josh Hart. “Being able to win with Mikail and Josh – it’s a great feeling,” he said. “It’s truly a great feeling knowing I got to meet them at a young age and were able to grow as friends and teammates in college and be able to achieve something in college. And then, to be able to do this at this level is just as special. Maybe a little more special. It’s an incredible feeling.”
About the Author
