The New York Knicks and wing Mikal Bridges have reached an agreement on a four-year, $150 million contract extension, as confirmed by agents Sam Goldfeder and Jordan Gertler. This deal includes a player option for the 2029-30 season and features a trade kicker, reflecting the Knicks' commitment to Bridges as a central figure in their long-term plans.

Previously, there was speculation among NBA executives that Bridges might opt to play the upcoming season on an expiring contract in order to pursue a more lucrative deal, potentially hitting the $200 million mark on the open market next summer. This agreement follows reports from Frank Isola of SiriusXM NBA Radio in June, indicating that Bridges had surfaced in trade discussions. The Knicks acquired Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets on June 25, 2024, sending a significant number of draft picks in return. This acquisition allowed Bridges to reunite with former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, although Donte DiVincenzo was later traded alongside Julius Randle to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns.

At the time of the trade, Bridges had two seasons and approximately $48.2 million remaining on a four-year, $90.9 million contract signed with the Phoenix Suns in October 2021. The Suns had previously traded Bridges to the Nets as part of the deal that brought Kevin Durant to Phoenix in February 2023. The Knicks' decision to acquire Bridges was rooted in a cohesive strategy, suggesting a long-term vision for the forward within their roster. As part of the 'Nova Knicks,' which now prominently features Towns, Bridges has become a vital aspect of New York's core moving forward. His performance during the 2023-24 season saw him average 19.6 points on 43.6 percent shooting and 37.2 percent from three-point range, alongside 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.

Bridges' tenure has not only been characterized by his scoring but also by his impressive durability, as he has never missed a game in his seven-year career, averaging 35.8 minutes per game over the last three seasons. In 2024-25, he maintained this level of performance, averaging 17.6 points on 50.0 percent shooting while contributing 3.7 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game, which was instrumental in leading New York to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000. Despite occasional inconsistency, which Bridges himself acknowledged, he has proven to be an invaluable contributor in critical playoff matchups, including pivotal series wins over the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics. His presence, however, was less impactful in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, which was characterized as underwhelming by analysts.

Ultimately, Mikal Bridges has established himself as a key figure in what is considered one of the strongest iterations of the Knicks since the 1990s. His recent extension solidifies his role within a team that is viewed as a legitimate championship contender for the first time in decades, marking a significant moment in the franchise's trajectory.