The New York Knicks didn’t just add hardware to the trophy case by winning the NBA Cup—they also unlocked a significant financial bonus that’s already sparking conversations throughout the locker room.
According to The New York Times, while the league’s in-season tournament is still relatively new, the financial incentive structure has quickly become one of its most tangible motivators.
Winning the NBA Cup comes with a $530,000 payout for each eligible player and the head coach. That number drops sharply for teams that fall short: second-place finishers earn roughly $212,000 per player, while quarterfinal teams receive just over $50,000.
Notably, the bonuses don’t extend evenly across an organization. Main-roster players and the head coach receive the full share, while two-way players earn a percentage, and many behind-the-scenes staffers—trainers, therapists, nutritionists, and PR employees—don’t receive a cut at all.
That disparity is something Knicks star Jalen Brunson has been vocal about. While his own financial security is well established, Brunson sees the Cup money as meaningful for others around him.
“We have a lot of guys and coaches who don’t make as much as some guys on this team, so it’s an added bonus for them as well,” Brunson said. “You’re not just playing for yourself, you’re playing for an entire team.”
For younger players, the payout can represent a sizable chunk of their annual income. Rookie guard Tyler Kolek, a 2024 second-round pick, noted that even a smaller NBA Cup bonus can go a long way early in a career. After last season’s quarterfinal run, he used his earnings to buy his mother a car for Christmas. “Now, this time, my dad might want something,” Kolek said.
Veteran Josh Hart already has a plan—and a sense of humor—about his winnings. After being robbed of luxury watches worth about $185,000 earlier this fall, Hart joked, “I’ll buy a watch. I got robbed in September… We’re in Vegas. If I put it on a hand of blackjack, I might be able to double it and get more watches.”
Karl-Anthony Towns, meanwhile, is looking beyond himself. “Honestly, I’ll probably give it to the Dominican Republic,” Towns said, explaining that the money would support youth-focused programs tied to his late mother’s roots.
Others are still undecided. Mitchell Robinson said he plans to save his—“maybe.” Mikal Bridges joked about buying one of Robinson’s trucks, while OG Anunoby hasn’t made up his mind.
For Jordan Clarkson, currently on a veteran minimum deal, the plan was refreshingly straightforward: “I’m going to pay my rent, fa sho.”