The New York Knicks and forward Mikal Bridges have reached an agreement on a four-year, $150 million contract extension, as confirmed by agents Sam Goldfeder and Jordan Gertler. The contract includes a player option for the 2029-30 season and features a trade kicker, signaling the Knicks' commitment to Bridges as a cornerstone of their future roster.

Reflecting on Bridges' career trajectory, some NBA executives had speculated that he might consider playing out next season on an expiring contract to position himself for a potentially larger deal approaching $200 million in the upcoming open market. This decision, however, highlights the Knicks' willingness to invest heavily in Bridges after acquiring him from the Brooklyn Nets on June 25, 2024, in a substantial trade that involved numerous draft picks. His previous experience alongside former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, though Donte DiVincenzo was traded shortly after, appears to have influenced the Knicks' strategic planning.

Setting aside his previous contracts, Bridges had two seasons remaining on a four-year deal worth $90.9 million, initially signed with the Phoenix Suns in October 2021. The Suns traded him to the Nets as part of the Kevin Durant deal in February 2023. The Knicks’ acquisition of Bridges indicates a clear long-term vision, as he is now part of a core group that includes several key players. Notably, Bridges emerged as the Nets' primary scoring option in the 2023-24 season, averaging 19.6 points per game while shooting 43.6 percent from the field. Defensively, he showcased his skills as a versatile wing, contributing significantly to the team's grit. During the 2024-25 season, he further elevated his performance by averaging 17.6 points on an impressive 50.0 shooting percentage, aiding in the Knicks' advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, their first appearance since 2000.

Bridges’ durability is remarkable, as he has never missed a game in his seven-year career, consistently averaging 35.8 minutes per game, with 37.0 MPG noted in the latest season. Nonetheless, Bridges has acknowledged periods of inconsistency in his performance, expressing the need for improvement in his rhythm and decision-making, particularly after experiencing some early-season struggles. Despite these challenges, he played a crucial role in the Knicks' playoff victories against the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics, delivering essential scoring and defensive efforts. However, his contributions were somewhat diminished in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers, a series that was described by some analysts as underwhelming in regard to his overall impact. Ultimately, Bridges emerges as a pivotal figure in the Knicks' lineup, contributing to what may be one of the franchise's most competitive teams in decades and establishing himself as a key player in their ongoing championship pursuit.