NEW YORK (AP) — Mikal Bridges has agreed to a 4-year, $150 million contract extension with the New York Knicks, according to someone who knows the details. The person spoke to the Associated Press but asked not to be named since the deal hasn’t been officially announced yet. ESPN first reported the news.
The Knicks traded five first-round draft picks last June to get Bridges. In return, he chose to take a bit less money than he could have made, so he could stay with his former college teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, who also play for the Knicks.
Bridges could have made up to $156 million, or possibly even more if he waited until his contract ended next year. But by signing now, he gives the Knicks more financial flexibility to continue building a strong team. The Knicks made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last season — their first time doing so since 2000.
Bridges was a key defender when the Knicks beat the 2024 NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, in the second round. The Knicks valued his defense and his ability to stay healthy — he’s played in every game of his career.
He averaged 17.6 points per game this past season. Since joining the NBA in 2018 as a first-round pick, he’s never missed a game. He also played every game in college, making him one of the NBA’s most reliable players.
Bridges helped lead the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021 and nearly won Defensive Player of the Year the next season. In 2023, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in the deal that sent Kevin Durant to Phoenix.
After that, he averaged 26.1 points in the last 27 games of the 2022–23 season and 19.6 points in the 2023–24 season. With the Knicks, his role became more supportive behind stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
FAQ
How long is Mikal Bridges’ new contract with the Knicks?
Bridges has signed a 4-year contract extension worth $150 million with the New York Knicks.
Why did the Knicks give Mikal Bridges such a big deal?
The Knicks value Bridges for his elite defense, consistent availability, and strong chemistry with teammates like Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.
Could Bridges have earned more money elsewhere?
Yes, Bridges could have earned up to $156 million or waited to sign an even bigger deal next summer, but he chose to commit early.
What did the Knicks trade to get Mikal Bridges?
The Knicks gave up five first-round draft picks to acquire Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets in June 2024.
How has Bridges performed with the Knicks so far?
He averaged 17.6 points per game and continued his streak of never missing a game in both college and NBA play.