In a significant move that promises to reshape the New York Knicks' future, Jalen Brunson has committed to a four-year, $156 million contract extension with the franchise. This decision firmly places Brunson at the core of the Knicks' ambition to build a competitive team around their talented point guard.
The four-year extension not only secures Brunson's place in New York but also signals the team's escalating commitment to contending in the Eastern Conference. As one of the league's dynamic playmakers, Brunson's new contract is a key step in ensuring the Knicks remain on a steady trajectory toward sustained success.
Mikal Bridges' Contract Options
Elsewhere in the NBA, Mikal Bridges is navigating his own set of contract negotiations. Having become eligible for an extension under the NBA's extend-and-trade rules on October 1, Bridges faces a crucial decision regarding his financial future. The powerful forward, traded on July 6, can now leverage the extend-and-trade rules to potentially sign a lucrative deal.
Bridges previously secured a four-year, $90 million rookie extension with the Phoenix Suns in 2021, but with two years left on his original contract, his options are expanding. The extend-and-trade rules permit Bridges to sign up to a four-year deal, starting with a 20% raise in the first year of the new agreement and 5% annual raises thereafter. This arrangement could net Bridges approximately $61.2 million in new money.
Weighing the Options
However, if Bridges opts to wait until the next offseason, he stands to gain even more. Waiting would allow him to sign a contract worth around $113 million over three new years. Starting July 1, 2025, he can take advantage of the typical veteran extension guidelines, which offer a 40% raise in the first new year, followed by 8% annual raises. This path could secure him an additional four years on his deal, potentially guaranteeing around $156 million over four new years, culminating in approximately $181 million in total value.
Looking further ahead, the 2026 offseason presents another lucrative opportunity for Bridges. He would be eligible to sign a five-year deal starting at 30% of the salary cap with 8% annual raises. This could potentially elevate his earnings to a staggering $296 million. On the flip side, should Bridges choose to sign with another team, the maximum deal he could secure would be limited to four years with 5% annual raises.
OG Anunoby's Commitment to New York
In another development, OG Anunoby has reinforced his commitment to New York by re-signing with the Knicks for $212.5 million. Anunoby's new contract represents a significant investment by the Knicks, further emphasizing their dedicated approach to building a formidable lineup and a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level.
With Brunson, Bridges, and Anunoby's moves capturing the headlines, the NBA landscape continues to evolve with strategic contractual decisions shaping the future of franchises. The Knicks, in particular, have made their intentions clear — building around their talented core while remaining vigilant in maximizing their roster's potential.
As the new season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these financial commitments translate on the court. With the right mix of talent, strategy, and financial savvy, the New York Knicks are positioning themselves to make a significant impact in the league.