The New York Knicks have officially agreed on a four-year contract extension with forward Mikal Bridges, finalizing a $150,000,001 deal that playfully exceeds the widely reported $150 million mark. This quirky figure has caught the attention of salary cap followers while underscoring the team‘s commitment to Bridges as a critical part of their future.
Sources within the league confirmed the exact amount, adding a light-hearted twist to the highly anticipated agreement announced on December 30, 2024.
Bridges’ Enduring Impact Shaping Knicks’ Playoff Success
Since joining the Knicks, Bridges has demonstrated remarkable consistency and value, starting every game and leading the NBA in total minutes played with 3,036. His streak of 500 consecutive games played is a rarity not seen since the 1980s, highlighting his durability and resilience on the court.
Bridges’ contributions extend beyond endurance, as he averaged 17.6 points per game on 50% shooting, alongside 3.7 assists and 3.2 rebounds. His clutch performances in the playoffs were instrumental in propelling New York to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in a quarter-century, including key game-winning plays against the Boston Celtics.
Milestones and Legacy Cemented During Breakout Season
Adding to his growing legacy, Bridges made Knicks history on Christmas Day by scoring 41 points with an exceptional 68% shooting performance, joining franchise icons Bernard King and Richie Guerin in the record books. Drafted 10th overall in 2018 out of Villanova, Bridges continues to build on an impressive resume that features multiple NCAA championships and All-Defensive team honors.
Knicks President Leon Rose emphasized Bridges’ unique two-way talent and unmatched durability as instrumental to the team’s deep playoff run and long-term strategy, stating,
“He’s a unique talent whose two-way impact and unmatched durability made him indispensable to the team’s deep playoff run.”
—Leon Rose, Knicks President
Bridges Positioned as Cornerstone of Knicks’ Future Ambitions
Now locked into this distinctive contract, Bridges is set to be a foundational player as the Knicks pursue sustained success and a potential championship breakthrough. The extra dollar in his contract might be a playful nod, but the commitment behind the deal reflects the genuine belief in his role as a key to ending New York’s 25-year championship drought.
As the Knicks build around Bridges’ talents and leadership, fans and analysts alike will watch with hopeful anticipation to see if he is indeed the missing piece that can lead the franchise back to the NBA’s highest heights.