Knicks Rumors: $157 Million Mikal Bridges Dilemma Could Force James Dolan To Make Bold Contract Decision

From starting the 2024 off-season with an impressive trade to ending it with a bang, the Knicks have had a successful last few months. Now, it’s up to the roster to make it impactful on the court. Tonight, the community witnessed first glimpses of the new lineup, as they kicked off the pre-season campaign with an impressive win over the Hornets. While we mull over the 111-109 win, the NY side has an important decision to make involving Mikal Bridges. Will the Knicks have yet another big move before the regular season?

Ahead of the free agency market, the NBA world barely had any movements in the trade city. However, the Knicks surprised everyone with the hefty Mikal Bridges trade. Even though it turned out to be a wholesome move, considering the reunion of the Villanova boys, the Knicks paid a heavy price at the same time. The team exchanged Bojan Bogdanovic and five first-round picks in return.

It is important to note that James Dolan, the Knicks owner, wouldn’t have stepped into the trade unless the front office was sure about it. But, months later, Dolan has a pending decision, owing to Bridges’ dilemma. When the Knicks roped him from the Brooklyn Nets, the star had two years left in his existing contract. And, it implies that the front office has to keep Bridges’ extension in mind as well.

Heading into the fresh season, Mikal Bridges is already eligible for a two-year extension for a meek $61.3 million. The extension window is open between October 1 to 21. At the same time, the 28-year-old can sign a more attractive four-year deal worth an estimated $157 million if he waits “until after the season”, as per Marc Stein, a trusted NBA Insider.

So, amid the Warden’s dilemma, James Dolan may have to take a contract decision in a few days, or, he might have the chance to think of it after analyzing Mikal Bridges’ fit in the side after the upcoming season.

Will Mikal Bridges fit in the newly reformed New York Knicks?

Apart from Mitchell Robinson, none of the players on the roster has represented the Knicks for more than 4 seasons. So, it’s safe to say that, it’s entirely a new side. Last season, even though the Knicks made an impressive playoff run, they struggled with injuries, especially with their frontcourt. And, in the offseason, the team made two blockbuster deals, reshaping their frontcourt.

Firstly, they brought in Mikal Bridges, who is known for his consistency and health. On the other hand, the team roped in 7-foot Karl-Anthony Towns, after sending away Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Considering Bridges as the replacement for injury-prone Julius Randle, the ex-Nets star doesn’t average above 20 points. However, KAT can compensate for it with his offensive firepower while he takes care of the Knicks’ volatile center position.

Mikal Bridges also provided a cryptic answer when asked about his contract extension on Media Day and it looks like the hooper will play the long game and take the four-year extension, as he said, “I have no clue, man… I’m just excited for training camp.”

So, on paper, both trades have well-thought-out reasons behind it and it will definitely make a huge difference if the starting lineup consistently performs without any injuries. Notably, breaking the Knicks injury curse. On a completely side note, should Mikal Bridges wait until free agency in 2026, the hooper would then be able to sign an estimated $295 million deal through 5 years.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.