NBA Rumors: Mikal Bridges Declined Knicks’ 2-Year, $60M Contract Extension Offer

Mikal Bridges reportedly declined the New York Knicks’ contract extension offer ahead of Monday’s deadline.

Per The Athletic’s James Edwards, the Knicks offered Bridges a two-year, $60 million extension, which he opted to decline. Bridges is entering the third year of a four-year, $90 million contract and will be a free agent after the 2025-26 season.

It makes sense that Bridges decided not to take the extension given he will be eligible for a four-year, $156 million deal starting next season, per Edwards. The two-year, $60 million deal was the most he was eligible for this season, Edwards also noted.

Bridges has continually improved over the course of his career and could earn the entirety of the $156 million he’s eligible for if he puts together a big season.

He’s coming off a year in which he put up 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and one steal per game. The Knicks brought him in to provide a spark on both ends of the floor as they look to capitalize on their championship window. If he does his job well, it will likely result in a big payday next year.

The Knicks reached the Eastern Conference semifinals and fell one win short of reaching the Eastern Conference Finals despite a roster depleted by injuries. This offseason, they added a talented swingman in Bridges and an All-Star in Karl-Anthony Towns.

Those two paired alongside star point guard Jalen Brunson and a strong supporting cast that features Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and more means New York has all the makings of a championship team.

Bridges is hoping to get a big extension after the 2024-25 season, but will ultimately have a title on his mind this year.