The New York Knicks are aiming to build on their recent Eastern Conference finals appearance, where they lost to the Indiana Pacers. However, the team now confronts a crucial decision involving Mikal Bridges, whose contract extension talks could significantly affect the franchise’s future this offseason.
Mikal Bridges is eligible for a four-year contract extension worth $156.2 million, but negotiations remain at an impasse. The 28-year-old forward can postpone discussions until August 6, which would prevent the Knicks from trading him during the next season. This delay has raised concern, especially given the heavy price New York paid last summer to acquire Bridges, including giving up five first-round picks and a pick swap.
The Stakes of the Extension Negotiations
The inability to finalize an extension could have serious repercussions for the Knicks’ financial flexibility and roster stability. NBA analyst Dan Favale has highlighted the risks associated with entering the season without securing Bridges long term.
“Bringing Bridges into the season without an extension and letting him hit unrestricted free agency poses all sorts of possible trouble,” —Dan Favale, NBA Analyst
“He could get way more expensive—his four-year max would run $222.4 million—or leave for nothing.” —Dan Favale, NBA Analyst
These warnings underline the potential for either a costly max contract next summer or losing a key player without receiving an adequate return.
Trade Risks and Performance Considerations
The Knicks might consider keeping Bridges until midseason to explore trade opportunities. Yet this approach risks an unsatisfactory return that wouldn’t justify the previous investment. Additionally, if Bridges reaches free agency, New York would likely have to offer a significantly larger deal to keep him.
Bridges proved his value in the 2024-25 season by playing all 82 games and putting up strong numbers, including 17.6 points, 3.7 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game, while maintaining an efficient 50 percent shooting rate across 37 minutes of action. His consistent performance has made him a vital part of the Knicks roster.
Long-Term Impact and Future Outlook for the Knicks
As the offseason unfolds, the Knicks stand at a strategic crossroads. If the extension is not reached soon, a trade could become more likely, affecting both immediate playoff hopes and long-term team building within the highly competitive Eastern Conference.
The Mikal Bridges contract situation highlights the difficult balance the Knicks must strike between holding onto key talent and managing financial commitments, as they seek to remain contenders and shape a sustainable future in the league.