NBA Rumors: Mikal Bridges Rejects Knicks’ Two-Year, $60 Million Contract Extension Offer | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Mikal Bridges reportedly rejected the New York Knicks’ contract extension offer before Monday’s deadline.

According to James Edwards of The Athletic, the Knicks offered Bridges a two-year extension worth $60 million, which he turned down. Bridges is entering the third year of a four-year, $90 million contract and will be a free agent after the 2025-26 season.

It makes sense that Bridges decided not to accept the extension since, according to Edwards, he will be eligible for a four-year, $156 million contract starting next season. Edwards also noted that the two-year, $60 million contract was the most he would receive this season.

Bridges has continued to improve throughout his career and could earn the full $156 million he is due if he has a big season.

He is coming off a year in which he averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and one steal per game. The Knicks brought him in to provide some buzz on both ends of the court as they look to capitalize on their championship window. If he does his job well, there will likely be a big payday next year.

The Knicks reached the Eastern Conference semifinals and, despite a roster depleted by injuries, fell just one win short of reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. This offseason saw the addition of a talented swingman in Bridges and an All-Star in Karl-Anthony Towns.

Those two paired with star point guard Jalen Brunson and a strong supporting cast that includes Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and more mean New York has all the makings of a championship team.

Bridges is hoping for a big extension after the 2024-25 season, but will ultimately have a title on his mind this year.