Article graphics by Omar Zahran (@omarzahran.bsky.social on Bluesky)
After sending five draft picks to the Brooklyn Nets to acquire Mikal Bridges last summer, it was highly likely that the Knicks envisioned Bridges as a long-term solution to their championship puzzle. This week, any lingering questions were answered as the team came to an agreement with Bridges on a four-year extension worth $150 million.
The extension is notably $6 million short of the maximum that Bridges could have signed for, and it was substantially less than the five-year, $290 million contract he could have been eligible for next offseason. Bridges’ decision helps save the Knicks money in the future, which enables them to maximize roster flexibility to contend for a title while avoiding the second apron tax in 2025-26.
More than anything, the Bridges extension prioritizes continuity, establishes the Knicks as a competent operation, and further reaffirms that the team views its championship window to be wide open.
