Mikal Bridges, who completed his first season with the New York Knicks, has secured a significant four-year contract extension worth $150 million. This announcement came on Thursday, confirming Bridges’ ongoing commitment to the franchise as the team looks to strengthen its championship aspirations.
Bridges posted solid numbers in his 82 games last season, averaging 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, while shooting an efficient 50.0% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc.
Details of the Contract and Player Reaction
The $150 million extension includes a player option for the 2029-2030 season, along with a trade kicker, giving Bridges some flexibility in his future with the Knicks. Agents Sam Goldfeder and Jordan Gertler of Excel Sports Management confirmed the deal to ESPN.
BREAKING: New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges has agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract extension with the franchise, agents Sam Goldfeder and Jordan Gertler of Excel Sports Management tell ESPN. The new deal includes a player option for 2029-30 and a trade kicker.
—Sam Goldfeder and Jordan Gertler, Agents
Josh Hart, a key member of the Knicks roster, expressed his excitement on social media, quickly garnering thousands of likes. His enthusiastic reaction captured the positive energy among teammates ahead of the new season.
Hart’s brief message said, “BAG MAN BAG MAN!”
Bridges’ Role in Knicks’ Recent Success and Team Outlook
Despite some inconsistencies, Bridges played a crucial role in helping the Knicks secure the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a 51-31 record. The team advanced past the first two rounds of the 2025 NBA playoffs, defeating the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics to reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years.
However, their playoff run ended after a six-game series loss to the Indiana Pacers.
Bridges takes a slight discount from his max extension number ($156M) in order to help the Knicks have flexibility to continue building the roster and add pieces to the East championship contender.
—Shams Charania, ESPN Reporter
Financial Strategy Behind the Extension and Team Payroll
Bridges’ decision to accept a contract slightly below his maximum extension amount ($156 million) demonstrates his commitment to the Knicks’ long-term success. This move allows the franchise greater salary flexibility to pursue other high-impact players, reinforcing the Knicks’ position as a contender in the Eastern Conference.
According to an NBA payroll report, the Knicks hold significant contracts for key players: Karl-Anthony Towns (three years, $171 million), OG Anunoby (four years, $176 million), Mikal Bridges (five years, $175 million), Jalen Brunson (four years, $157 million), and Josh Hart (three years, $63 million).
Looking Ahead: Knicks’ Championship Aspirations
The extension of Mikal Bridges signifies a critical step for the New York Knicks as they aim for a deeper playoff run and, ultimately, an Eastern Conference title. With a talented roster including Bridges, Hart, Brunson, and Anunoby, the team is positioning itself to challenge for a championship. Bridges’ willingness to prioritize team flexibility signals cooperation within the squad and a shared goal of sustained success.
The coming seasons will reveal how the Knicks leverage this major contract signing and the building blocks already in place to compete at the highest level.