NBA Trade News: New York Knicks Mikal Bridges Agrees to $150 Million Contract Extension
New York Knicks
have officially locked in their new cornerstone.
Star forward Mikal Bridges
has agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract extension, securing his place in New York's future as the franchise intensifies its pursuit of an NBA championship.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Mikal Bridges' Contract Breakdown: A Team-Friendly Yet Player-Driven Deal
Mikal Bridges' extension, valued at $150 million over four years, includes a player option for the 2029-30 season and a trade kicker. Notably, Bridges accepted slightly less than the maximum he was eligible for—$156 million—to give the
additional financial flexibility. This choice signals a clear commitment to team-building and long-term success, allowing the front office to maneuver around the salary cap more effectively.
From Brooklyn to the Garden: How Bridges Landed in New York
The Knicks acquired Bridges in a major trade with the
in June 2024. The deal sent five first-round draft picks to Brooklyn, a steep price that underscored New York's urgency to contend. Bridges reunited in Manhattan with former Villanova teammates
and Josh Hart, creating an instant sense of chemistry and leadership that paid off on the court.
A Standout Debut Season That Justified the Investment in Bridges
In his first full season with the Knicks, Bridges showcased why he's considered one of the league's premier two-way players:
• Played all 82 regular-season games as a starter
• Averaged 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game
• Delivered in the playoffs, helping New York reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000
• Excelled defensively, frequently locking down top scorers and making clutch plays on both ends of the court
Bridges also turned heads at Madison Square Garden with standout performances, including a 31-point game where he hit seven three-pointers in a pivotal victory.
Strategic Implications for the New York Knicks' Championship Plans
Bridges' deal locks in one of the franchise's key pieces as the New York Knicks reshape their roster around a strong core. Alongside Brunson and Hart, and bolstered by offseason additions Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, the Knicks are clearly going all-in.
The timing of the extension also aligns with a broader shift within the organization. Mike Brown was brought in as head coach after Tom Thibodeau's departure, aiming to bring a fresh approach following the team's playoff success.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Mikal Bridges' slightly discounted contract gives New York more flexibility to add or retain talent in pursuit of a championship window.
A Fan Favorite Who Embodies New York's Identity
Since arriving, Bridges has become a fan favorite. His blend of toughness, unselfishness, and reliability has resonated with Knicks supporters, who see him as the kind of player built for the spotlight of Madison Square Garden. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising the extension as a turning point in the franchise's modern era.
A Signal of Long-Term Ambition
The Mikal Bridges extension is more than just a contract—it's a clear statement of purpose. With a winning culture forming, a committed front office, and a fan base eager for success, the New York Knicks are positioning themselves not just for short-term gains but for sustained excellence.
Also read:
Mikal Bridges is now firmly at the heart of that mission. And with him locked in, the Knicks believe the best is yet to come.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Yankees release RHP Marcus Stroman among post-deadline moves
After more than a year and a half of struggles, veteran right-hander Marcus Stroman was released by the New York Yankees on Friday as they revamped their roster following Thursday's trade deadline. HT Image Stroman, 34, was 3-2 with a 6.23 ERA in nine starts this season, while spending 2 1/2 months on the injured list with a left knee injury. New York is set to have right-hander Luis Gil make his season debut Sunday after he missed four months with a lat injury. The Yankees also optioned right-handers Yerry De los Santos and Ian Hamilton to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Before the trade deadline came to a conclusion Thursday, the Yankees revamped their bullpen by adding right-handers David Bednar (Pittsburgh Pirates), Camilo Doval (San Francisco Giants) and Jake Bird (Colorado Rockies). They also added infielder/outfielder Jose Caballero from the Tampa Bay Rays. All four were activated to the roster. Since joining the Yankees last season, Stroman went 13-11 with a 4.69 ERA in 39 appearances (38 starts). In 11 major league seasons with four clubs, including his first six with the Toronto Blue Jays, the two-time All-Star was 90-87 with a 3.79 ERA in 270 appearances (261 starts). De Los Santos, 27, had a 1.78 ERA in 17 relief appearances with the Yankees this season, while Hamilton, 30, was 2-1 with a 4.28 ERA in 36 appearances (one start). Bednar, 30, has 101 saves with the Pirates since 2021 and was 2-5 with a 2.37 ERA and 17 saves this season. Doval, 28, hads 107 saves in five seasons with the Giants and was 4-2 with a 3.09 ERA and 15 saves this season. Bird, 29, was 4-1 with a 4.73 ERA in 45 relief appearances with Colorado. Caballero, 28, was batting .226 with an American League-best 34 stolen bases for the Rays. He was tied for the MLB lead in steals with the Pirates' Oneil Cruz heading into Friday's games. --Field Level Media
News18
7 hours ago
- News18
'Iron Man' Mikal Bridges Signs $150 Million Extension With New York Knicks: Report
Last Updated: Mikal Bridges signs a four-year, $150 million extension with the New York Knicks, prioritizing team flexibility over a larger deal. He averaged 17.6 points in 2023-24. Mikal Bridges has committed his future to the New York Knicks, agreeing to a four-year, $150 million contract extension, as per the latest reports. The agreement, first reported by ESPN, has not yet been formally announced. The 27-year-old forward reportedly passed up the opportunity to earn even more by locking in now. Bridges could have secured a $156 million extension—or potentially more—by waiting until his current contract expired next summer. Instead, he opted for slightly less money in a move that offers the Knicks greater financial flexibility as they continue building a championship contender. The Knicks made a major investment to acquire Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets in June, sending five first-round picks in a blockbuster trade. His decision to take a below-maximum extension demonstrates his desire to stay with the franchise and reunite long-term with his former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. The trio helped lead the Knicks to their deepest playoff run in decades. Bridges quickly validated the Knicks' trade, providing crucial perimeter defense and consistency throughout the 2024 playoffs. Bridges averaged 17.6 points per game in the 2023–24 season, taking on a supporting offensive role behind stars Jalen Brunson and newly acquired Karl-Anthony Towns. While his scoring numbers dipped slightly from his time with the Nets, his ability to adapt and contribute on both ends of the court made him invaluable to head coach Tom Thibodeau's system. 'Iron Man" Bridges has also never missed a game in his NBA or collegiate career, appearing in all 556 regular-season games since being drafted in the first round in 2018. Prior to his move to the Knicks, Mikal previously helped the Phoenix Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021 and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2022. In 2023, he was traded to Brooklyn as part of the Kevin Durant blockbuster deal and finished that season strong, averaging 26.1 points over the final 27 games. (with AP inputs) view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Time of India
NBA Trade News: New York Knicks Mikal Bridges Agrees to $150 Million Contract Extension
The New York Knicks have officially locked in their new cornerstone. Star forward Mikal Bridges has agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract extension, securing his place in New York's future as the franchise intensifies its pursuit of an NBA championship. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Mikal Bridges' Contract Breakdown: A Team-Friendly Yet Player-Driven Deal Mikal Bridges' extension, valued at $150 million over four years, includes a player option for the 2029-30 season and a trade kicker. Notably, Bridges accepted slightly less than the maximum he was eligible for—$156 million—to give the additional financial flexibility. This choice signals a clear commitment to team-building and long-term success, allowing the front office to maneuver around the salary cap more effectively. From Brooklyn to the Garden: How Bridges Landed in New York The Knicks acquired Bridges in a major trade with the in June 2024. The deal sent five first-round draft picks to Brooklyn, a steep price that underscored New York's urgency to contend. Bridges reunited in Manhattan with former Villanova teammates and Josh Hart, creating an instant sense of chemistry and leadership that paid off on the court. A Standout Debut Season That Justified the Investment in Bridges In his first full season with the Knicks, Bridges showcased why he's considered one of the league's premier two-way players: • Played all 82 regular-season games as a starter • Averaged 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game • Delivered in the playoffs, helping New York reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000 • Excelled defensively, frequently locking down top scorers and making clutch plays on both ends of the court Bridges also turned heads at Madison Square Garden with standout performances, including a 31-point game where he hit seven three-pointers in a pivotal victory. Strategic Implications for the New York Knicks' Championship Plans Bridges' deal locks in one of the franchise's key pieces as the New York Knicks reshape their roster around a strong core. Alongside Brunson and Hart, and bolstered by offseason additions Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, the Knicks are clearly going all-in. The timing of the extension also aligns with a broader shift within the organization. Mike Brown was brought in as head coach after Tom Thibodeau's departure, aiming to bring a fresh approach following the team's playoff success. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Mikal Bridges' slightly discounted contract gives New York more flexibility to add or retain talent in pursuit of a championship window. A Fan Favorite Who Embodies New York's Identity Since arriving, Bridges has become a fan favorite. His blend of toughness, unselfishness, and reliability has resonated with Knicks supporters, who see him as the kind of player built for the spotlight of Madison Square Garden. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising the extension as a turning point in the franchise's modern era. A Signal of Long-Term Ambition The Mikal Bridges extension is more than just a contract—it's a clear statement of purpose. With a winning culture forming, a committed front office, and a fan base eager for success, the New York Knicks are positioning themselves not just for short-term gains but for sustained excellence. Also read: Mikal Bridges is now firmly at the heart of that mission. And with him locked in, the Knicks believe the best is yet to come.
