'Iron Man' Mikal Bridges Signs $150 Million Extension With New York Knicks: Report
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)
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