Breaking: Mikal Bridges Turns Down Knicks’ 2-Year $60 Million Contract Offer
The New York Knicks have gone all-in this summer, spending most of their assets in trades to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. While Towns is under a long-term contract, Bridges has just two years left on his deal. Ahead of the contract extension deadline, the Knicks offered Bridges a two-year, $60 million extension which the star declined in hopes of a bigger payday next season, according to James Edwards of The Athletic.
“Per league sources, the Knicks did offer what they could — two years, $60 million — but again that just doesn’t make sense for Bridges given his age and consistent production.”
Bridges is eligible for a four-year, $156 million extension next season. Many assumed Jalen Brunson wouldn’t sign a contract extension this season either because he was entitled to a much bigger payday next year, but he signed a new deal at a discount to provide long-term stability to the Knicks cap sheet and roster.
Mikal averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists last season with the Brooklyn Nets, and will now hope to be the third star on offense behind Brunson and Towns on the franchise.
It doesn’t look like he is looking to leave $113 million on the table as Brunson did, but if he has a disappointing season with the Knicks, he might hurt his market value even more going forward.
Mikal Bridges’ Jumpshot Is Not Looking Smooth
One of the reasons why the Knicks sent a package with the equivalent of six first-round picks to the Nets was Mikal’s exceptional 3-and-D skillset. He’s a 37.5% shooter from three for his career, even shooting 42.5% from three in 2020-21 while playing as a rotational option for the Phoenix Suns. That style would suit him better on the Knicks given the two offensive options ahead of him, but there is a problem.
Bridges was one of the worst shooters in the NBA during the preseason, shooting 2-19 (10.5%) in four games. There has been a noticeable adjustment in Bridges’ shooting form, as the swingman has added a hitch before his shot which has made his jumper slower and less accurate.
It’s unclear whether Bridges was trying something new or if he dramatically altered his shot ahead of a make-or-break season for him and the Knicks. The 28-year-old looks a lot less appealing if he can’t stretch the floor for the Knicks, who lost Donte DiVincenzo, their best shooter from last year, in the Towns trade.
Thankfully, Bridges’ defense is still looking great, with the former Suns forward looking to have added some more muscle to his slender frame. He and OG Anunoby would combine to be a fierce wing defense duo, with Brunson and Towns being able to focus on offense.
Bridges needs to be able to stretch the floor when required to be worth a max extension next season or even the heavy price the Knicks paid to land him. With depth no longer being a major asset for the franchise, at least Bridges’ willingness to play every game provides value for the franchise that deals with frequent injuries.
