Knicks captain Jalen Brunson, who signed a $156 million contract, continues to seek financial advice from his parents before making major purchases, he told the Wall Street Journal. Despite earning nearly $35 million in the 2025-2026 NBA season alone, Brunson values his family’s guidance over financial advisors or peers when managing his wealth.
Brunson explained that even as a grown man with a substantial income, he calls his parents to ensure he is making the right financial decisions. His father, a former NBA player with nine seasons of experience, and his mother, a non-profit CFO and litigation consultant, provide him with decades of financial wisdom. This support helps Brunson manage his growing financial empire beyond his NBA contracts and brand partnerships.
The practice of turning to trusted family members for financial advice is shared by other celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon and Queen Latifah, highlighting the importance of personal trust in wealth management. Brunson’s approach underscores a broader trend where high-earning athletes maintain close family involvement in their financial decisions, aiming to secure long-term stability for themselves and future generations.
Brunson emphasized the importance of self-checks and family input to maintain financial discipline over time. His $156 million contract and nearly $35 million salary for the 2025-2026 season position him among the NBA’s top earners, yet he remains grounded by relying on his parents’ advice for significant financial moves.