Expanded Knicks' championship possibility maintained due to $150 million contract extension for Mikal Bridges
New York Knicks Secure Mikal Bridges for Four Years in Championship Push
In a significant move to bolster their roster, the New York Knicks have re-signed Mikal Bridges to a four-year, $150 million contract extension [1][3][5]. This deal solidifies the Knicks' core, as all five of their regular-season starters from their recent deep playoff run are now locked up for at least the next two years, with option years beyond that.
The extension comes at a crucial juncture for the Knicks, as the 2025-26 season is considered their best chance to win in a long time due to their roster and the state of the Eastern Conference's top contenders [2]. Bridges' versatility as a two-way wing, known for strong defense and efficient scoring, will be instrumental in their pursuit of an NBA championship.
Last season, Bridges averaged an impressive 22.2 points and 5.3 assists in 12 games [4]. His shooting stats were equally impressive, with a 55-37-92 split [6]. His ability to perform as a backup point guard, starting shooting guard, and small forward will provide the Knicks with a valuable asset in their quest for success.
The Knicks prioritized this extension due to the first-round picks they sent out to acquire Bridges last summer [1]. The team's financial management has been commendable, enabling them to avoid the NBA’s second luxury tax apron for multiple seasons while keeping their core intact [1].
The new coach for the Knicks, Mike Brown, is known for using intricate offensive sets and relying more heavily on his bench [7]. With Bridges' versatility, he can incorporate the wing into his offensive strategy more effectively than his predecessor, Tom Thibodeau, who rarely ran sets for Bridges.
The Bridges deal was not about a potential trade but about the Knicks' pursuit of their first championship in over 50 years. The contract extension prevents Bridges from being traded for six months but makes him trade-eligible just before the trade deadline [5].
The 2024-25 season marked the first year for the current Knicks team with Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns. In that season, the Knicks won 51 games and eliminated the defending champion Boston Celtics in the second round [8]. This foundational stability, combined with Bridges' extension, boosts their chances of contending seriously for an NBA championship in the coming years.
[1] ESPN [2] Sports Illustrated [3] New York Post [4] NBA.com [5] USA Today [6] Basketball Reference [7] NBA.com [8] ESPN
- The New York Knicks' four-year, $150 million contract extension for Mikal Bridges will be crucial in their pursuit of an NBA championship, especially during the 2025-26 season, considered their best chance to win in a long time.
- Rumors of a potential trade involving Mikal Bridges have subsided, as his contract extension prevents him from being traded for six months but makes him trade-eligible just before the trade deadline.
- Mikal Bridges' versatility as a two-way wing, his strong defense, and efficient scoring will be pivotal in the upcoming playoffs, where the Knicks hope to secure their first championship in over 50 years.
