Jalen Brunson won't be NBA's first $1 billion player (to no fault of his own)

The trio pivoted toward projecting who the first player to reach $1 billion in career earnings will be. Even though 2026 Finals MVP Jalen Brunson is firmly on top of the basketball world, he didn't come up in the discussion — and more than likely will not be that player. Regardless, it was a notable — and unique — sacrifice for an NBA star of any stature. Marks said he previously believed the Slovenian superstar would be the league's first player to reach $1 billion in career earnings. Coming away with Dončić and Brunson, especially with the third and 33rd overall selections, is ludicrous.