Mikal Bridges has officially agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract extension with the New York Knicks, securing his long-term future with a franchise that has made bold moves to reshape its roster into a championship contender. The deal, which will begin after the 2025–26 season, keeps Bridges in New York through 2030 and marks a major commitment by the Knicks to a player they view as a foundational piece of their present and future.
The extension comes just weeks after Bridges was acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Brooklyn Nets, a move that stunned much of the league and reunited the former Villanova standout with his college teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo. The quartet, known for their chemistry and unselfish play during their NCAA title run, now forms the backbone of a Knicks team that has quickly become one of the most cohesive and exciting rosters in the Eastern Conference.
Bridges’ new contract reflects his rising status in the NBA as one of the league’s elite two-way wings. Since entering the league in 2018, he has steadily improved each season, becoming known for his durability, perimeter defense, and evolving offensive game. Last season, he averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while continuing to guard some of the league’s top scorers night in and night out. His ability to switch defensively across multiple positions and contribute efficiently on offense made him a prized asset — one the Knicks were willing to pay a steep price to acquire and retain.
According to team sources, negotiations between Bridges’ representatives and the Knicks front office were smooth and focused on long-term alignment. Both sides shared mutual interest in keeping Bridges in New York, and the agreement was finalized ahead of the league’s August moratorium on major offseason moves. The contract includes player incentives and partial guarantees in its final year, providing flexibility while also demonstrating the organization’s confidence in his role as a cornerstone.
Knicks President Leon Rose praised the deal in a statement, calling Bridges “the kind of player and person every championship team needs.” He added, “Mikal brings leadership, toughness, and winning habits. His presence raises our ceiling, and we’re thrilled he’ll be a long-term part of our journey.”
Head coach Tom Thibodeau has also been vocal about his admiration for Bridges, particularly his defensive instincts and willingness to do the little things that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. “He’s exactly the type of competitor we want — he shows up every night, does his job, and holds others accountable by how hard he plays,” Thibodeau said during Summer League media availability.
The extension comes at a pivotal moment for the Knicks, who are in the midst of one of their most aggressive offseasons in recent memory. With the recent acquisition of Bridges, the re-signing of OG Anunoby, and continued development from their young core, the franchise is clearly aiming to compete at the top of the Eastern Conference. The continuity from the Villanova core has also been cited as a key factor in the team’s identity, as the players’ familiarity with each other has translated into instant chemistry on the court.
While skeptics have pointed to the team’s heavy investment in wing players, Knicks executives argue that in today’s NBA, versatile perimeter defenders and floor spacers are at a premium — and Bridges fits that mold perfectly. His ironman streak, which saw him play in over 400 consecutive games to start his career, has further enhanced his reputation as one of the most reliable players in the league
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