Knicks Lock In Bridges With $150M Deal \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Mikal Bridges signed a four-year, $150 million extension with the New York Knicks. Despite being eligible for a larger deal, Bridges prioritized long-term team building and chemistry. Known for his durability and defense, Bridges remains a cornerstone of New York’s playoff aspirations.
Quick Looks
- Mikal Bridges signs a 4-year, $150 million extension with the Knicks.
- The deal was first reported by ESPN and confirmed by the AP.
- Bridges could have earned more but chose long-term team flexibility.
- He joins Villanova alumni Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart in New York.
- The Knicks traded five first-round picks to get him from Brooklyn.
- Known as the NBA’s iron man, Bridges hasn’t missed a game in his career.
- Averaged 17.6 PPG in 2023-24, embracing a secondary role offensively.
- Played a key role in defeating Boston during the 2024 playoffs.
- Helped Phoenix reach the NBA Finals in 2021 before a trade to Brooklyn.
- Took less money to support Knicks’ Eastern Conference Finals roster ambitions.
Deep Look
Mikal Bridges has agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract extension with the New York Knicks, solidifying his place in one of the NBA’s most promising rosters. The agreement was confirmed to The Associated Press by a source close to the negotiations, though it remains unannounced publicly. ESPN was the first to report the news.
While Bridges had the option to chase a bigger payday—he was eligible for $156 million now or even more by waiting until free agency in 2025—he chose to commit early. His decision reflects a team-first approach that prioritizes roster stability and the Knicks’ long-term championship potential. Bridges’ selfless move ensures the franchise retains financial flexibility to further bolster a roster that reached the Eastern Conference Finals last season, marking its first trip that deep into the playoffs since 2000.
His extension marks the culmination of a year-long investment by the Knicks, who sent a substantial package of five first-round draft picks to the Brooklyn Nets last June in order to acquire him. The front office saw in Bridges not only elite perimeter defense but also unmatched availability—qualities that have become increasingly rare in today’s NBA.
The 6-foot-6 swingman lived up to his reputation as the league’s “iron man,” playing in all 82 games during the 2023-24 season. He’s now played in all 556 games since being drafted in 2018. That streak, which began with Villanova in college, has elevated Bridges to a level of consistency and durability that stands alone in modern professional basketball.
During the 2023-24 campaign, Bridges averaged 17.6 points per game while adjusting to a new role alongside Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Although his scoring dipped from the 26.1 points per game he posted during his initial 27-game stint with Brooklyn, Bridges embraced his role as a defensive anchor and high-IQ support player. His presence helped balance the Knicks’ offense and provided elite defense on the wing.
That defensive impact was on full display in the 2024 playoffs, particularly in the second round when the Knicks ousted the defending champion Boston Celtics. Bridges made multiple clutch defensive plays that turned the tide of key games, earning praise as a critical piece of New York’s postseason run.
Bridges’ current chapter in New York also reunites him with former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, creating one of the NBA’s most tightly knit locker rooms. The chemistry between the trio—fostered during their college title runs—has seamlessly translated to the professional level, giving the Knicks a competitive edge that transcends the box score.
His decision to sign a slightly smaller contract than he could have demanded speaks volumes about his leadership and long-term commitment to team success. It’s rare for a player in his prime to leave money on the table, but Bridges’ sights appear firmly set on winning rather than personal gain.
Before arriving in New York, Bridges carved out a reputation as a do-it-all player with the Phoenix Suns. He helped lead Phoenix to the 2021 NBA Finals and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting the following season. His trade to Brooklyn in 2023—part of the blockbuster deal involving Kevin Durant—put him in the spotlight as a primary scorer. He thrived in that role initially but has since adjusted his game to meet the Knicks’ needs.
For the Knicks, the deal represents more than just the retention of a star; it’s a long-term investment in the team’s culture, stability, and defensive identity. The front office now has flexibility to build around its current core of Brunson, Towns, Hart, and Bridges without risking salary cap complications in the near future.
As New York eyes a deeper playoff push in 2025 and beyond, having Bridges locked in and aligned with the team’s goals could be the final piece needed to transform the Knicks from contenders into champions.
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