New York’s 124 to 113 win over the Spurs secured the franchise its first NBA Cup and delivered a hefty payout of about 530,000 dollars per player and for coach Mike Brown.

For Brunson, who earns close to 40 million dollars annually, the money is far from life changing, but the chance to use it to uplift others inside the organization clearly matters.

Asked what he would do with the bonus, the Cup Finals MVP said he is earmarking a portion for the Knicks’ training staff, crediting them for keeping the roster healthy and prepared throughout the tournament grind. He also acknowledged that many staffers and lower paid personnel do not automatically share in league prize pools, which makes this gesture all the more meaningful.

Brunson Sets Tone Of Gratitude In The Locker Room

Brunson’s approach reflects a broader culture of giving that has taken root in the Knicks locker room. Karl-Anthony Towns has indicated that he plans to direct a share of his winnings toward initiatives in the Dominican Republic, tying the Cup success back to his family’s roots. Josh Hart, who had roughly 185,000 dollars’ worth of watches and jewelry stolen from a Manhattan hotel in September, joked that part of his cut is going toward finally replacing a timepiece.

Teammates say Brunson’s decision to look beyond his own bank account and focus on trainers, therapists and other support staff fits who he has been since arriving in New York. The point guard has repeatedly framed the Knicks’ success as a collaborative effort and often highlights the work done by those who never appear in a box score.

Bigger Goals Beyond The Tournament

The NBA Cup title and the prize money have provided a midseason jolt for a group that already believes it can contend for something bigger. New York reached the Eastern Conference finals last season and now sees the in season trophy as both validation and a stepping stone toward ending the franchise’s 50 year championship drought.

Brunson’s performance in the final, with 25 points and eight assists while orchestrating a dominant fourth quarter surge, further solidified his status as the Knicks’ offensive engine and locker room compass. His decision to funnel part of his Cup bonus back into the organization underscores that leadership for him is not only about clutch shots and stat lines but also about making sure everyone who lifts the team up shares in the rewards.