The New York Knicks have made a significant move this offseason, securing star wing Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, with hopes of keeping him in New York for the long term.
Potential Contract Extension for Bridges
Bridges is eligible for a four-year extension worth $113 million in October. The Knicks are in a favorable financial position, partly thanks to the team-friendly contract Jalen Brunson signed, which could help them offer Bridges a deal that aligns with their salary cap plans. Currently, the Knicks sit with $185 million in total cap allocations, ranking 15th in the league, and they are $7.6 million below the second salary apron. Their financial outlook remains healthy, especially with the new media rights deal on the horizon.
Bridges’ Current Contract and Future Role with the Knicks
Bridges is in the second year of a four-year, $90.9 million contract, with a $23.3 million cap hit this season, rising to $24.9 million in 2025–26. There is speculation that he might accept a team-friendly deal, following Brunson’s lead, solidifying his future with the Knicks.
At 28 years old, Bridges is entering his prime, and the Knicks see him as a pivotal piece for their future, especially in fortifying their defense. Alongside OG Anunoby, Bridges will help form one of the league’s most elite defensive lineups. Additionally, Bridges brings scoring power, having averaged 19.6 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season with the Nets, shooting 43.6% from the field and 37.2% from beyond the arc.
Impact on Knicks’ Offense
While Bridges’ scoring numbers were slightly affected by Brooklyn’s reliance on Cam Thomas, he has the potential to be the Knicks’ second-leading scorer. This is especially important as Julius Randle is expected to return healthy from a shoulder injury by the season’s start in October.
Long-Term Financial Flexibility
With Randle holding a player option next season, his potential opt-out could free up considerable cap space for the Knicks. This would allow them to extend Bridges and add additional talent. Despite using a large portion of their draft capital to acquire Bridges, the Knicks remain flexible enough to pursue other players, positioning themselves as a top destination for talent across the league.
Championship Aspirations
No longer seen as just a “money grab” destination, the Knicks are now attracting top players and have legitimate championship ambitions as they head into the upcoming season. With the acquisition of Bridges, the team has made a bold statement about their commitment to building a contender.
Leave a Reply