The New York Knicks have successfully secured a significant contract extension with Mikal Bridges, who accepted a hometown discount, strengthening the team’s championship ambitions. On July 31, Bridges agreed to a four-year extension worth $150 million, including a player option for the 2029-30 season and a trade kicker, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
This extension is $6 million less than the maximum amount Bridges was eligible for, demonstrating his willingness to prioritize team flexibility over individual financial gain. Charania noted that
“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, Reporter
Bridges could have postponed signing until next summer to earn a longer deal with more money, but he chose to follow the path of Jalen Brunson, the Knicks’ captain and Bridges’ college teammate at Villanova. Brunson’s four-year, $156.5 million extension last year prevented the possibility of a larger contract this season, but it allowed the Knicks the room to also extend Bridges’ contract now.
A source told SNY’s Ian Begley,
“He wants to be here and wants to win here.”
—League source
Looking ahead, the Knicks face decisions regarding the future of center Mitchell Robinson, who will be a free agent after next season with his current four-year, $60 million deal expiring. The financial flexibility gained from Bridges’ deal is expected to assist in retaining Robinson, a key defensive anchor and top offensive rebounder.
The Challenges and Triumphs of Mikal Bridges’ Debut Season with New York
Mikal Bridges’ first season in New York reflected a mix of ups and downs. Over 82 games, he averaged 17.6 points on an efficient 50 percent shooting, complemented by 3.7 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and nearly one steal per game. However, two moments stand out from his initial campaign.
One was his strained relationship with then-coach Tom Thibodeau, which contributed to the eventual dismissal of the veteran coach. Bridges described the physical toll of playing extended minutes when he stated,
“Sometimes it’s not fun on the body. But you want that as a coach, and also talked to him a little bit knowing that we’ve got a good enough team where our bench guys can come in and we don’t need to play 48 [minutes], 47.”
—Mikal Bridges, Player
He also emphasized the importance of resting players for team success, saying,
“We’ve got a lot of good guys on this team that can take away minutes. Which helps the defense, helps the offense, helps tired bodies being out there and giving up all these points. It helps just keeping fresh bodies out there.”
—Mikal Bridges, Player
Thibodeau denied having this conversation with Bridges, highlighting fractures within the Knicks’ locker room during what was otherwise the franchise’s most successful season in 25 years. Bridges’ notable performance during the playoffs, especially in the second-round victory against the Boston Celtics, demonstrated his rising impact on the team.
With Mike Brown appointed as the new head coach, expectations will increase for Bridges to be a key contributor in their pursuit of greater success next season.
Bringing Familiar Coaching Talent to Support Bridges and the Knicks
The Knicks are bolstering their coaching staff by bringing on two assistants who worked under Mike Brown with the Sacramento Kings: Charles Allen and Riccardo Fois. According to Hoopshype’s Michael Scotto, Allen served as a player development coach for Sacramento last season and has experience as an assistant video coordinator for several teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, and the Kings.
Riccardo Fois also worked alongside Brown during the first half of last season in Sacramento. Despite staying with the Kings after Brown was dismissed, Fois was not retained by the franchise following the season’s end. His previous collaboration with Brown and experience coaching at Phoenix, where he worked with Bridges, adds valuable continuity to the Knicks’ coaching approach.
This coaching reunion aims to accelerate Bridges’ development and strengthen the entire roster as the Knicks build toward challenging for the Eastern Conference title.
What Bridges’ Extension Means for the Knicks’ Future Ambitions
Mikal Bridges’ willingness to accept a slight reduction in salary underscores his commitment to winning with the Knicks and provides the team with financial flexibility crucial for retention and roster improvement. His extension, alongside the potential re-signing of Mitchell Robinson, forms the foundation of a core group the Knicks hope can compete deep into the playoffs.
With fresh leadership from Mike Brown and enhanced coaching support, Bridges is positioned to become a cornerstone player driving New York’s championship contention. This step is pivotal as the Knicks seek to build on their most productive seasons in recent memory and capitalize on the momentum created by offseason decisions.