The New York Knicks have reached an agreement with wing Mikal Bridges on a four-year, $150 million contract extension, as confirmed by agents Sam Goldfeder and Jordan Gertler. The extension includes a player option for the 2029-30 season and features a trade kicker. Some NBA executives speculated that Bridges might have played next season on an expiring contract with the aim of securing closer to $200 million on the open market next summer, according to reports from The Athletic.

This contract follows trade discussions involving Bridges, as noted by Frank Isola of SiriusXM NBA Radio in June. The Knicks had acquired Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets on June 25, 2024, in a deal that sent a significant number of draft picks to the Nets. Upon joining the Knicks, Bridges reunited with former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, although Donte DiVincenzo was traded weeks later alongside Julius Randle to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns. At the time of the trade, Bridges had two seasons and $48.2 million remaining on a contract he signed with the Phoenix Suns in October 2021, prior to being included in the Kevin Durant trade to the Nets in February 2023.

The Knicks' decision to invest in Bridges indicates a long-term strategy, especially as he forms part of a core along with Brunson, Hart, and Towns. Bridges established himself as a key player for the Nets during the 2023-24 season, averaging 19.6 points on 43.6 percent shooting, including 37.2 percent from three-point range, alongside 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. Known for his defensive prowess, Bridges is viewed as a valuable asset to the tough Knicks squad. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 17.6 points on an impressive 50.0 percent shooting, contributing to the Knicks' advancement to the Eastern Conference Finals, marking the franchise's first appearance in that round since 2000. Additionally, Bridges has maintained durability throughout his seven-year career, never missing a game and averaging 35.8 minutes per game over the last three seasons—highlighted by an average of 37.0 minutes in 2024-25. Despite his consistent presence, Bridges acknowledged moments of inconsistency on the court, stating, 'I got to play better. I’ve been inconsistent,' emphasizing his commitment to finding his rhythm within the team dynamic. His performance was crucial in the Knicks' playoff victories against the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics, where he delivered key plays. However, he faced criticism for his performance in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, which was described as 'overall underwhelming.' Nevertheless, Bridges proved to be an integral component of one of the Knicks' most competitive teams in decades, solidifying his long-term position within a franchise that aspires for championship contention.