BREAKING: New York Knicks and forward Mikal Bridges have agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract extension, per Shams Charania.
The new deal includes a player option for 2029-30 and a trade kicker.
Big move for the Knicks. A 4-year, $150M extension averages $37.5M per year, signaling they see Mikal Bridges as a core piece alongside Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. The player option in 2029-30 gives Bridges flexibility, and a trade kicker means he gets extra money if traded.
✅ 1. Salary Cap Impact
Extension Details: 4 years, $150M → AAV of $37.5M starting in 2026-27 (since he’s currently on contract for 2024-25 at $23.3M and 2025-26 at $24.9M).
Knicks’ current commitments for 2026-27 with Bridges included:
Jalen Brunson: Eligible for extension in 2025 (likely a max or near-max).
Julius Randle: Under contract through 2025-26 with a player option for 2026-27.
OG Anunoby: Recently signed for ~$42M AAV through 2028-29.
Cap Situation: Knicks will be locked into tax territory and likely near or above the second apron starting 2026.
Bottom line: This is a clear “win-now and sustain” move—NYC is committing to a big three (Brunson, OG, Bridges) plus Randle if he stays.
—
✅ 2. Deal Grade
For the Knicks: A-
Bridges is an elite 3&D wing who fits Tom Thibodeau’s system perfectly. At 28, this locks him up through his prime. The risk is financial flexibility; this is a lot of money for a non-primary scorer.
For Bridges: A
He gets security + a player option + trade kicker. He’ll hit free agency at age 33 if he opts out.
—
✅ 3. Eastern Conference Impact
Knicks now have arguably the best wing trio in the East: OG Anunoby, Bridges, Josh Hart—plus Brunson as the engine.
They can switch everything defensively and still space the floor.
Competes directly with Boston’s depth and Milwaukee’s star power.
With Bridges, Knicks are a legit top-3 team in the East, maybe top-2 if health holds.
