New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges has agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $150 million, including a player option for the 2029-30 season and a trade kicker, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported. Though the maximum possible extension could have reached $156 million, Bridges accepted a $6 million pay cut to allow the Knicks more flexibility in strengthening their roster.
Bridges’ Pay Cut Highlights His Commitment to Team Success
By choosing a slightly reduced contract amount, Bridges has demonstrated a clear dedication to the Knicks’ long-term goals, prioritizing team building over personal earnings. This decision came as part of efforts to help New York improve its chances of contending in the Eastern Conference, reflecting Bridges’ support for the franchise’s future direction.
Bridges’ willingness to sacrifice sparked lighthearted reactions from his teammates, including guard Miles McBride, who took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) with a playful comment about the forward’s decision.
“Manns really a team first guy, appreciate it Kal!” —Miles McBride, New York Knicks guard
Former NBA Champion Antonio Daniels Weighs In on Bridges’ Decision
Antonio Daniels, a former NBA champion, discussed Bridges’ pay cut during an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, drawing parallels to Jalen Brunson’s similar decision the previous year. Daniels suggested Bridges’ choice might have been influenced by the precedent set by Brunson, who also accepted a smaller contract to help his team improve.
“This isn’t something that the Knicks have done. Again, this just speaks to the power of the players. Because if Jalen Brunson says, ‘I’m not taking less,’ we’re not having this conversation. I feel, and what I’ve experienced, is that the standard is set by the star, good or bad.” —Antonio Daniels, former NBA player and analyst
Brunson and Bridges’ Impact on the Knicks’ Recent Success
Both Bridges and Brunson played pivotal roles during the 2024-25 NBA season, leading the Knicks to a strong finish in the regular season with 51 wins and 31 losses, placing them third in the Eastern Conference. Their performances helped secure a playoff run that included wins against the Detroit Pistons in the first round and the Boston Celtics in the conference semifinals.
Despite these achievements, the Knicks fell short of the NBA Finals after being eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the conference finals, underscoring the challenges still ahead for the team as they build towards championship contention.
Looking Ahead: The Significance of Bridges’ Contract and Team Prospects
Mikal Bridges’ decision to take a pay cut on his Knicks contract extension signals a strong commitment to the franchise’s goal of becoming a top contender in the Eastern Conference. The move not only allows the Knicks more cap flexibility to acquire key players but also strengthens team chemistry, as teammates publicly acknowledge and appreciate Bridges’ sacrifice.
Going forward, Bridges’ leadership and the team’s collective resilience will be crucial as the Knicks aim to advance beyond the conference finals and push deeper into the playoffs in upcoming seasons.