Giannis Antetokounmpo has confirmed he will remain with the Milwaukee Bucks, a decision that directly influenced the New York Knicks’ choice to re-sign Mikal Bridges. According to a recent report, with Antetokounmpo not requesting a trade, the Knicks moved to secure Bridges with a new contract extension.
Details of Mikal Bridges’ New Contract with the Knicks
The Knicks agreed to a four-year, $150 million extension with Mikal Bridges, the 28-year-old two-time NCAA champion from Villanova. This deal was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and later confirmed by Hoops Wire on Thursday, highlighting the team’s confidence in retaining Bridges as a key player going forward.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Offseason Moves Reinforce Commitment to Giannis
Giannis Antetokounmpo, 30, has largely dismissed trade rumors throughout the offseason, signaling his intention to stay with Milwaukee. The Bucks’ management echoed this stance publicly and took concrete steps by adjusting their roster around Antetokounmpo. Notably, the Bucks waived Damian Lillard and filled the team roster with players like Myles Turner, Gary Harris, Kevin Porter Jr., Bobby Portis Jr., Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr., and Jericho Sims to build a stronger squad for the 2025-26 NBA season.
Contract Status and Future Outlook for Giannis with the Bucks
Currently under contract through the 2026-27 season, Antetokounmpo holds a player option for the following year. Next summer, he will be eligible to negotiate a lucrative four-year extension potentially worth nearly $300 million. The upcoming season’s results will likely shape the Bucks’ decisions about their roster and long-term planning around their star player.
Giannis’ Upcoming Commitments and Season Preparation
Before entering his 13th NBA season, Antetokounmpo will also represent Greece in EuroBasket 2025, continuing his international career alongside his club responsibilities with Milwaukee. His presence remains vital for both the Bucks’ championship aspirations and Greece’s national team prospects.
“The Knicks were informed that the Freak will not request a trade and thus decided to complete a contract extension with 28-year-old Bridges.” —Hoops Wire
“An agreement on a four-year, $150 million contract extension between the franchise and the two-time NCAA champion with Villanova was previously revealed by ESPN senior NBA insider Shams Charania.” —Hoops Wire