New York Knicks guard/forward Mikal Bridges is eligible to sign a four-year, $156 million contract extension this summer, but over a month into the offseason, no agreement has been reached. This delay has fueled speculation about the reasons behind the Knicks’ hesitation to finalize his deal.
The lingering hold-up may suggest two possibilities: either negotiations between Bridges and the Knicks are proving difficult, or the team is waiting to see if they can execute a major trade involving superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to Daily Knicks reporter Dan Favale, New York remains deeply involved in discussions concerning Antetokounmpo’s potential availability in the trade market, despite no formal trade request from the Milwaukee Bucks’ star player.
“In the event he does become available, Bridges could be an integral part of talks. New York currently doesn’t have any first-round picks to offer, and the Bucks will likely value anyone who keeps them competitive in the post-Giannis era, since they don’t control the rights to their own first-rounder until 2031,”
Favale wrote.
“Signing Bridges to a new deal now removes him from the table. Players who sign his type of extension cannot be traded for six months.”
Mikal Bridges’ Mixed Performance in His First Knicks Season
Bridges joined the Knicks last offseason in a blockbuster deal that sent five first-round picks and other assets to the Philadelphia 76ers. His first year in New York saw ups and downs; he averaged 17.6 points per game on an efficient 50 percent shooting from the field and 35.4 percent from beyond the arc.
While his defensive impact declined during the regular season, Bridges demonstrated clutch defensive skills in the playoffs. Notably, he made pivotal plays in the first two victories of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Would Transform Knicks into Championship Contenders
Acquiring Antetokounmpo would likely require the Knicks to part with more than Bridges alone, potentially including key players like Karl-Anthony Towns or OG Anunoby. Additionally, such a trade would heavily diminish New York’s future draft assets.
Despite these significant costs, adding Antetokounmpo—an elite two-time MVP—would elevate the Knicks to genuine title contender status. His presence could dramatically alter the balance of power in the Eastern Conference, turning New York into one of the favorites to compete for an NBA championship.
The Knicks still have the entire offseason to negotiate an extension with Bridges, but the possibility of a high-stakes trade for Giannis remains a dominant storyline that could reshape their roster and future.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Mikal Bridges wear 1?
A. Mikal Bridges wore the No. 25 jersey at Villanova and then during his initial four NBA seasons with the Phoenix Suns. When he moved to Brooklyn in 2023, he switched his number because the Nets had already retired the previous one.
Q. Is Mikal Bridges elite?
A. To clarify for those who may not know, Mikal Bridges excels at shooting, especially when it comes to mid-range jump shots.
Q. Is Miles or Mikal Bridges better?
A. Miles leads slightly in basic stats like points, rebounds, and assists. However, Mikal excels in efficiency and contributes more to defense. Mikal’s benefits are more noticeable than Miles’.
Q. Has Mikal Bridges missed any games?
A. Mikal Bridges has never skipped a game in his NBA career. He has appeared in 556 straight games. In one of those games, he only stayed on the court for six seconds before being benched, just to continue his streak.