After Jalen Brunson secured a contract extension with the New York Knicks that left $113 million on the table, newly acquired swingman Mikal Bridges might be inclined to follow a similar path.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported that sources believe Bridges is expected to sign a team-friendly extension when he negotiates his own deal.
Brunson finalized a four-year, $156.5 million extension last Friday. He could have opted for a five-year, $269 million extension if he had waited until next summer, but his decision to take less money provides the Knicks with more salary cap flexibility as they strive to build a championship-caliber roster.
The Knicks made significant progress by trading for Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets earlier this offseason. Bridges, who played alongside Brunson at Villanova and with Knicks teammates Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo, has been a standout performer. The team also re-signed OG Anunoby to a max contract, creating a potentially elite defensive wing duo with Bridges.
Bridges can sign a short-term extension with the Knicks starting October 1, or he could opt for a four-year deal after the 2024-25 season.
The Knicks have advanced to the Eastern Conference semifinals in the past two seasons. Their promising run last year was hindered by injuries to key players, so they are eager to make a deeper playoff push next season.
Brunson’s extension and the anticipated deal for Bridges should help keep New York in contention for the NBA title for the foreseeable future.
