The NBA offseason is heating up, and the New York Knicks have made a significant commitment to their roster. Jalen Brunson, the talented point guard, has secured a four-year, $156 million contract extension with the franchise. This move solidifies Brunson's role as a cornerstone for the Knicks, underscoring the team's ambitions to build a competitive squad around him.
Brunson's impressive tenure with the Knicks has clearly earned him this lucrative extension. As he continues to develop his skills and leadership on the court, the Knicks are banking on him being a critical part of their success in the coming years.
Mikal Bridges' Rising Prospects
Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges is navigating his own contract landscape. The versatile forward became eligible for an extension under the NBA's extend-and-trade rules on October 1. These rules provide Bridges the opportunity to sign for up to four total years, starting with a 20% raise in the first year of the new deal, followed by 5% annual raises.
Bridges, who signed a four-year, $90 million rookie extension with the Phoenix Suns in 2021, was traded on July 6. Given that he has two years left on his original contract, Bridges could potentially sign for around $61.2 million in new money under the extend-and-trade provisions. However, if he chooses to wait until the next offseason, the numbers sweeten significantly, allowing him to sign a deal worth approximately $113 million over three new years.
The outlook for Bridges becomes even more promising starting July 1, 2025. At that point, he can leverage the typical veteran extension guidelines, which allow for a 40% raise in the first new year, with subsequent annual raises of 8%. This potential deal could guarantee Bridges around $156 million over four new years, bringing his total earnings to approximately $181 million.
Should Bridges decide to test free agency in the 2026 offseason, he could secure a five-year contract starting at 30% of the salary cap, with 8% annual raises. This contract could be worth up to $296 million – a substantial figure that underscores his value in the league.
OG Anunoby's Major Payday
In another significant move, OG Anunoby has also re-signed, this time with New York, for an impressive $212.5 million. Anunoby's re-signing signals his continued tenure with the team, ensuring experience and talent are retained in the Knicks' roster for the foreseeable future.
These signings reflect a broader trend in the NBA, where teams are increasingly willing to invest heavily in securing their core players. As the league evolves, these strategic moves are critical for franchises aiming to stay competitive and relevant.
For the Knicks, securing Brunson and Anunoby can be seen as a pivotal strategy. On the other hand, Mikal Bridges' situation exemplifies the complexity of modern contract negotiations, where timing and strategic decisions can significantly impact a player's career trajectory and financial future.
Looking ahead, these developments will undoubtedly influence the dynamics of the upcoming NBA season. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how these financial commitments translate to on-court success.