The New York Knicks and wing Mikal Bridges have finalized a four-year, $150 million contract extension, as confirmed by agents Sam Goldfeder and Jordan Gertler. This agreement includes a player option for the 2029-30 season and incorporates a trade kicker. Despite speculation from some NBA executives that Bridges may have remained on an expiring contract to leverage a contract worth closer to $200 million on the open market next summer, the Knicks have opted for a more secured future with the player.

Bridges joined the Knicks from the Brooklyn Nets on June 25, 2024, in a trade that included a substantial package of draft picks. This move reunited Bridges with his former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, although Donte DiVincenzo was subsequently traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves alongside Julius Randle for Karl-Anthony Towns. At the time of the trade, Bridges had two seasons and $48.2 million remaining on a four-year, $90,900,000 contract initially signed with the Phoenix Suns in October 2021 before being traded to the Nets as part of the Kevin Durant deal in February 2023.

With Bridges now committed to the Knicks long-term, the franchise appears to have established a promising core that includes both Bridges and Towns, positioning them as potential contenders in the Eastern Conference. In the 2023-24 season, Bridges excelled as the Nets' leading player, averaging 19.6 points with a shooting percentage of 43.6%, while also contributing 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. Recognized for his defensive prowess, Bridges fits seamlessly into the Knicks' physical playing style. The 2024-25 season saw Bridges contribute further, averaging 17.6 points, with a notable increase in shooting efficiency at 50.0%. His performance was instrumental in leading the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000. Bridges' durability is also noteworthy, as he has never missed a game in his seven-season career and has averaged an impressive 35.8 minutes per game over the last three seasons, including 37.0 minutes in the 2024-25 campaign. Despite some inconsistencies in his play, particularly noted by Bridges himself, he has proven to be an essential component in the Knicks' postseason successes against teams such as the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics. Although his performance in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers was described as underwhelming, Bridges remains a critical player on a Knicks team that many believe to be a legitimate championship contender for the first time in decades.