The landscape of the NBA’s Eastern Conference continues to solidify as the New York Knicks have made a significant move to secure their core, reaching a substantial contract extension with veteran forward Mikal Bridges. This decision ensures the dynamic player will remain a pivotal figure in the Knicks’ ambitious future plans, directly impacting their ongoing rivalry with teams like the Philadelphia 76ers.
The agreement, first reported by Shams Charania, locks Bridges into a lucrative four-year, $150 million contract. This landmark deal underscores the Knicks’ confidence in Bridges’ abilities and his long-term value to the franchise. Crucially, the new terms include a player option for the 2029-30 season and a trade kicker, providing both security for Bridges and strategic flexibility for the New York Knicks.
Financially, the NBA extension positions Mikal Bridges as a cornerstone of the team’s salary cap structure for years to come. His initial salary under the new agreement is projected to commence at $33.4 million in the 2026-2027 season, with the subsequent two years expected to be fully guaranteed. The inclusion of a player option for the final season grants Bridges significant control over his career trajectory moving forward.
While now a dedicated Knick, Bridges’ journey began with a brief, intriguing connection to the Philadelphia 76ers. Drafted as the 10th overall pick out of Villanova, a local favorite with family ties to the organization, his selection was initially a feel-good story for Sixers fans. However, Philadelphia’s front office at the time famously traded Bridges for a later selection, ultimately acquiring Zhaire Smith—a move widely regarded in hindsight as a significant missed opportunity, benefiting the Phoenix Suns immensely.
After contributing multiple quality seasons to the Phoenix Suns, Bridges’ career took a turn in 2022-2023 when he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets. This marked his first true emergence as a direct rival to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he began to truly hit his stride as a primary offensive option for his team, showcasing his versatility and scoring prowess. This development was closely watched by basketball news outlets.
His eventual move to the New York Knicks last offseason created significant tremors across the league. The acquisition of Bridges was viewed as a transformative deal, instantly elevating the Knicks from playoff contenders to legitimate championship aspirants on paper. His defensive tenacity and offensive efficiency were seen as crucial additions to an already strong roster, fueling the Knicks rivalry with other Eastern Conference powerhouses.
Despite high expectations, the Knicks’ deep playoff run culminated in the Eastern Conference Finals, where they ultimately fell short. While Mikal Bridges faced some scrutiny regarding his performance during his inaugural season with the Knicks, the organization’s commitment to this extension clearly signals their belief in his integral role for future success and their shared championship ambitions.
This long-term commitment from Mikal Bridges solidifies his status as a formidable presence in the Atlantic Division. For the Philadelphia 76ers, his continued tenure with a direct rival ensures that the Mikal Bridges vs. Sixers storyline, born from that fateful draft night trade, will persist and intensify, adding another compelling layer to future matchups between the two teams, a truly captivating piece of basketball news.
