The New York Knicks have reportedly secured a four-year, $150 million contract extension with star forward Mikal Bridges. This significant deal includes a player option for the 2029-30 season and a trade kicker, providing Bridges with both long-term stability and increased flexibility during his prime years.
Bridges, 28, joined the Knicks last offseason in a major trade from the Brooklyn Nets, rejoining former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. Renowned for his elite perimeter defense and versatile offensive skills, he averaged 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in a career-high 37 minutes per game last season. He started all 82 regular season games and 18 postseason games as the Knicks advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, ultimately falling to the Indiana Pacers in six games.
The extension is slightly below Bridges` maximum eligible amount of $156.1 million, demonstrating his willingness to take a modest discount. This financial flexibility benefits the Knicks as they continue to build their roster for future championship bids. His average annual salary of $37.5 million places him fourth on the team`s payroll.
Bridges played a crucial role in the Knicks` recent success, helping them reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since the 1999-2000 season. Following this deep playoff run, the Knicks replaced coach Tom Thibodeau with Mike Brown. In addition to re-signing Bridges and hiring Brown, the team also added guard Jordan Clarkson and forward Guerschon Yabusele this offseason.
Before his tenure with the Knicks, Bridges established himself as one of the NBA`s premier two-way wings during nearly five seasons with the Phoenix Suns and almost two with the Brooklyn Nets. Drafted 10th overall in 2018, he quickly earned a reputation for lockdown defense, making the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2022. His length and versatility were instrumental in the Suns` rise, culminating in their 2021 NBA Finals appearance.
Offensively, Bridges has consistently proven to be a reliable scorer and an efficient three-point shooter, maintaining a 37.1% career average from beyond the arc. In the 2022-23 season, split between the Suns and Nets, he achieved a career-high 20.1 points per game. He was notably traded to Brooklyn in February 2023 as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Kevin Durant to Phoenix.
The Knicks invested heavily to acquire Bridges, giving up a substantial package of five first-round picks, a first-round pick swap, and a second-round pick. Now, with this extension, they have secured his services for years to come.
