The New York Knicks are aiming to secure a contract extension for Mikal Bridges during this NBA offseason as part of their long-term roster plans. However, the team is holding off on finalizing the deal until they get clarity on Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s future with the Milwaukee Bucks, a key factor influencing trade possibilities.
Bridges’ Performance and Contract Situation
The Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, and in his initial season with New York, Bridges delivered strong numbers. He averaged 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while maintaining shooting percentages of 50.0% from the field, 35.4% from three-point range, and 81.4% from the free-throw line. For next season, Bridges is set to earn $24.9 million and is eligible to sign a four-year, $156 million extension with the Knicks.
Coaching Changes and Team Context
The Knicks experienced a coaching transition following their recent playoff run. Despite a solid record of 226-174 in the regular season and 24-23 in the playoffs, head coach Tom Thibodeau was dismissed. Thibodeau, who won the 2021 Coach of the Year Award, was replaced by Mike Brown as the franchise looks to build upon last season’s effort, which ended with a six-game loss to the Indiana Pacers in the conference semifinals.
Waiting on Bucks’ Giannis Decision Impacts Extension Timing
NBA insider Ian Begley from SNY highlighted that the Knicks’ hesitation in extending Bridges relates to uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status with the Milwaukee Bucks. Begley noted that once Bridges signs an extension, the Knicks would be unable to trade him for six months, which complicates their strategic flexibility until the Bucks’ situation is resolved.
“With the Knicks and all the other teams kind of keeping an eye on Milwaukee and what may or may not happen there, I think one of the reasons why he (Bridges) has not been extended yet is because once you extend him, you cannot trade him for six months,”
Ian Begley said.
“And I think until the Giannis stuff is fully settled, and I don’t think it’s fully settled yet, as much as I’m sure Bucks fans hate to hear that because I would hate to hear that if I was a Bucks fan, but I don’t think it’s fully settled yet.”
—Ian Begley, NBA Insider
“And so as teams continue to keep an eye on that, continue to at least plan with that somewhere in the back of their mind, I think that’s why you haven’t seen Bridges extended yet. When he does extend, I think that would tell you Giannis is put to bed, is off the table in a sense.”
—Ian Begley, NBA Insider
Strategic Importance of Bridges’ Extension for the Knicks
Securing Mikal Bridges long-term represents a key element in the Knicks’ plans to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference. His strong shooting and versatile play helped New York reach the conference finals for the first time since 2000, signaling his value to the team’s future success. However, waiting on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s next move indicates the Knicks’ careful approach to managing roster flexibility, particularly regarding potential trades.