The New York Knicks and forward Mikal Bridges have solidified their long-term partnership by agreeing to 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 features a trade kicker, enhancing the flexibility of Bridges' contract.

Prior to this deal, some NBA executives speculated that Bridges might enter the next season on an expiring contract, possibly positioning himself to secure closer to $200 million in free agency the following summer. This contract extension follows trade discussions that had surfaced regarding Bridges in June. The Knicks acquired him from the Brooklyn Nets on June 25, 2024, in exchange for a significant collection of draft picks, suggesting the organization had a clear long-term vision for his role on the team.

Bridges rejoined several former Villanova teammates, including Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. However, Donte DiVincenzo was subsequently traded alongside Julius Randle to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns. At the time of the trade, Bridges had two seasons remaining on a four-year contract worth $90.9 million that he signed with the Phoenix Suns in October 2021. He was traded from the Suns to the Nets in February 2023 as part of the deal involving Kevin Durant. Now, with Bridges officially part of the Knicks' core alongside Brunson, Hart, and Towns, the team appears poised for a promising future.

During the 2023-24 season, Bridges emerged as the Nets' top offensive option, averaging 19.6 points per game with a shooting efficiency of 43.6%, including 37.2% from three-point range. He also contributed 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. Known for his exceptional defensive skills, Bridges proved to be a key asset to the gritty Knicks roster.

In the 2024-25 season, Bridges showcased his scoring abilities further, averaging 17.6 points on an impressive 50.0% shooting, along with 3.7 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game, contributing to the Knicks’ notable run to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. A remarkable aspect of Bridges' career is his durability, as he has never missed a game during his seven years in the league, averaging 35.8 minutes per game over the past three seasons, including 37.0 minutes per game in 2024-25.

Despite his consistent performance, Bridges has acknowledged instances of inconsistency in his game. In a reflection on his play, he remarked, 'I got to play better. I’ve been inconsistent. I’ve had some games where I’ve played good, some I haven’t. Just got to find a rhythm within the team.' His contributions were critical in the Knicks' playoff victories against the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics, where he made significant scoring and defensive contributions. However, his performance during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers was described as 'overall underwhelming.'

Nonetheless, Bridges played an integral role on what is regarded as one of the best Knicks teams since the 1990s, facilitating a commendable postseason run. With this contract extension, Mikal Bridges is now signed long-term with the Knicks, enhancing a roster that many believe could be in contention for a championship for the first time in decades.