Jalen Brunson recently signed a historic contract extension that saw him leave $113 million on the table to enhance the New York Knicks’ financial flexibility for the future. Now, the recently acquired fellow Villanova alumni Mikal Bridges is reportedly expected to also sign a team-friendly extension once he is eligible, according to NBA writer Marc Stein.
“League sources say that the expectation now, furthermore, is that Bridges is likely to follow Brunson’s lead and sign a team-friendly deal of his own when it’s his turn to negotiate an extension (he’s eligible for a shorter and less attractive deal as soon as Oct. 1 or a four-year extension if he waits until after the season) that cements himself at MSG alongside his fellow former Villanova teammates Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo,” Stein wrote.
Mikal Bridges could take a pay cut to remain with the Knicks
As Stein noted, Bridges is eligible to sign an extension on Oct. 1, but because he is on a rookie extension until 2026, he can only sign a two-year extension on that date. However, doing so this offseason would save the Knicks a lot of money for the future, as he can make up to over $40 million per year if he waits until next summer to sign an extension, and can make up to nearly $300 million total if he hits unrestricted free agency after the 2025-26 season (h/t New York Daily News).
Bridges is one of the most valuable players at his position in the NBA, as he has demonstrated tremendous versatility on both ends of the floor throughout his career. He endured his first true breakout as a member of the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 21.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and shot 45% from the field and 37% from three in 109 games spanning two seasons.
The Knicks have been known to secure cheaper team-friendly deals with their star players in recent years. Jalen Brunson’s original four-year, $104 million deal signed in 2022 quickly became one of the best value contracts in league history, and Julius Randle’s four-year, $117 million extension signed after the 2021 season is also of great value given the on-court production he provides.
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Extending Bridges on a cheaper deal will allow the team to remain competitive for years
If Bridges does indeed take a pay cut, the Knicks will have the capability to further extend Randle’s contract, as he is eligible for a four-year, $181 million extension in early August. If they do not reach an extension with Randle, he can become an unrestricted free agent after next season if he declines his player option.
Randle is a key component of the Knicks’ core, as they have reached the playoffs three times in the five years he has been with the Knicks. He has also seen his best individual success with the franchise, as he has made the All-Star team three times in the last four seasons and was named to an All-NBA team twice in that same span. If the Knicks can lock up Brunson, Bridges, and Randle all to contract extensions, then the franchise will be in prime position to be title contenders for at least the remainder of the decade, as they will have a surplus of star talent across the roster.
In addition to Brunson, the Knicks already secured a long-term extension with another key member, as they signed two-way wing OG Anunoby to a five-year, $212 million max extension before the start of free agency this summer. Keeping the rest of the main group for the long term could see the Knicks build their best roster in the 21st century, and could also be one that finally ends their title drought that has spanned half of a century.
