The New York Knicks have taken decisive steps this summer by signing Mikal Bridges to a four-year contract extension worth $150 million, as they prepare for their roster’s future amidst uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s whereabouts. This contract agreement was finalized on Thursday, underscoring the Knicks’ commitment to maintaining core talent as speculation surrounds potential trades in the NBA.
Bridges’ new deal, which includes a player option for the 2029-30 season and a trade kicker, was confirmed by agents Sam Goldfeder and Jordan Gertler of Excel Sports Management, according to ESPN reporter Shams Charania.
“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,” Charania posted on X. “The new deal includes a player option for 2029-30 and a trade kicker.”
—Shams Charania, ESPN reporter
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Likely Stay Influences Knicks’ Decision
The Knicks’ swift move to lock in Bridges followed reports that Giannis Antetokounmpo is unlikely to request a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason. According to NBA insider Ashish Mathur of Hoops Wire, the Knicks received reliable intelligence suggesting the two-time MVP intends to remain in Milwaukee, which diminished New York’s chances of acquiring him.
“The New York Knicks got intel that Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t request a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks before signing Mikal Bridges to an extension, an NBA source told Hoops Wire on Thursday,” Mathur wrote. “…The Knicks would have pursued Giannis Antetokounmpo had the two-time MVP requested a trade from the Bucks. All signs point toward Antetokounmpo remaining in Milwaukee.”
—Ashish Mathur, Hoops Wire
The presence of a player option in Bridges’ contract also restricts the Knicks from trading him for at least six months, limiting their immediate roster flexibility and reinforcing the franchise’s plan to build around their current players. This development signals the Knicks’ recalibrated strategy amid the unsettled status of an elite star acquisition.
Knicks Eyeing Additional Moves to Complement Jalen Brunson
Despite the setback in pursuing Antetokounmpo, the Knicks remain eager to bolster their lineup, especially aiming to add a prominent big man capable of delivering offensive output and defensive intensity in the postseason. Their playoff campaign last year highlighted this need, as Karl-Anthony Towns struggled to provide consistent performance in the Eastern Conference Finals.
New York’s leadership appears prepared to delay any blockbuster moves until the trade deadline next year, carefully weighing options to complement guard Jalen Brunson and create a more balanced and competitive roster.
The Broader Impact of Bridges’ Contract Extension
By securing Bridges, the Knicks have entrusted a key perimeter defender and scorer with their long-term plans, which grants stability to a contending team amid league-wide shifts and rumors. Bridges’ skill set is critical for the Knicks’ style of play, and his contract protects the team during a transitional offseason loaded with uncertainty about superstar trade possibilities.
As the Knicks continue to navigate a tense summer in the NBA, the decision to extend Bridges marks a clear indication of their intent to remain competitive while adjusting their expectations in the absence of acquiring Antetokounmpo.