New York Knicks to lose 2025 second-round pick

• NBA investigation into the New York Knick’s signing of Jalen Brunson is over, and the verdict is out
• NBA has ruled that the Knicks would lose their 2025 second-round pick
• The Knicks were found in breach during the signing of guard Jalen Brunson in the summer

Following the league’s investigation into the New York Knicks’ signing of player Jalen Brunson this summer as a free agency, the league declared on Wednesday afternoon that the franchise would forfeit their 2025 second-round pick.

“This outcome reflected a finding, following an investigation, that the Knicks engaged in free agency discussions involving Jalen Brunson prior to the date when such discussions were permitted,” the NBA said in a statement seen by SportsLeo announcing the decision.

The league also stated that the Knicks fully cooperated with the investigation.

Early in the summer’s free agency, Brunson decided on a four-year, $104 million deal with the Knicks, joining a team with which he has many established links. After Rick had worked under Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau with the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves, the Knicks signed Rick as an assistant coach during the offseason. In his capacity as a Knicks assistant, Thibodeau also worked with Rick Brunson.

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson in action during a past NBA match. | PHOTO: New York Post |

While Rick Brunson was Leon Rose’s first client when he began his lengthy career as an agent, Jalen Brunson was his next client before he decided to accept the position of president of basketball operations for New York. Sam, Rose’s son, is now Brunson’s representative.

Even after losing their second-round pick in 2025, the Knicks still have plenty of draft cash for future years. New York will have access to 11 first-round picks and nine second-round picks over the following seven years.

This season, Brunson has been a standout performer for the Knicks, averaging 20.8 points and 6.2 assists for New York, which is now on an eight-game winning streak, the longest in the NBA, going into Wednesday night’s game against the Toronto Raptors.

The Knicks’ winning streak has brought their record to 18-13, which ties them with the Philadelphia 76ers for fifth place in the Eastern Conference heading into Sunday’s opening of five games on Christmas Day across ESPN networks.

Jalen Brunson played for Dallas Mavericks before signing for New York Knicks in the summer. | PHOTO: Forbes |

The NBA is investigating possible tampering charges involving the New York Knicks free agent pursuit and signing of former Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson, sources confirmed to ESPN.

Teams weren’t allowed to make contact with an agent or a player to discuss a deal prior to 6 p.m. ET on June 30, the opening of free agency. Brunson agreed to a four-year, $104 million deal with the Knicks that night.

A breakout season in which Jalen Brunson, 25, averaged 16.3 points and 4.8 assists per game just ended. Following his 2018 draft classmate and All-NBA guard Luka Doncic’s full-time insertion into the starting lineup in December, he cemented himself as Dallas’ No. 2 option.