$150 million and a locked clause: The Knicks secure Bridges
May 29, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The New York Knicks secure one of their key pieces for years to come. Mikal Bridges has agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract extension, according to his agents Sam Goldfeder and Jordan Gertler of Excel Sports Management, who confirmed the information to Shams Charania of ESPN.
BREAKING: New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges has agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract extension with the franchise, agents Sam Goldfeder and Jordan Gertler of Excel Sports Management tell ESPN. The new deal includes a player option for 2029-30 and a trade kicker. pic.twitter.com/xuiYvzykqJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 31, 2025
A Financial Sacrifice to Help the Team
The deal includes a player option for the 2029-2030 season and a trade protection clause. By signing this new contract, Bridges makes a slight financial sacrifice, giving up $6 million from the possible maximum amount of $156 million, to help the Knicks maintain salary flexibility to continue building the roster.
This decision shows the forward’s commitment to the New York project. Last season, Bridges contributed alongside Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to lead the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals, their first appearance at this stage in 25 years.
Solid Performance Despite Difficult Adjustment
The 28-year-old forward averaged 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in his first season in New York, playing all 82 regular-season games. Bridges, who has never missed a single game in seven NBA seasons, was the only player in the league to exceed 3,000 minutes of play, with a record average of 37.0 minutes per game.
Despite a difficult start to the season marked by criticism of his new shooting mechanics, Bridges gradually established himself on both ends of the floor. « I’ve been inconsistent, » he admitted last November. « I’ve had good games, others not so good. I just need to find my rhythm in the team. »
The former Villanova player proved valuable during playoff victories against Detroit and Boston, making clutch shots and decisive defensive plays. This extension follows the extensions of his former college teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, consolidating the « Nova Knicks » core for years to come.
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