Mikal Bridges Getting $150 Million Extension Triggers NBA Fans: “Didn’t He Just Score 10 PPG?”

New York Knicks sent five first-round picks to bring in Mikal Bridges to pair alongside his former Villanova Wildcats teammates.

Mikal Bridges Getting $150 Million Extension Triggers NBA Fans: “Didn’t He Just Score 10 PPG?”

Knicks hand Mikal Bridges 4-year, $150 million contract (Image via FirstSportz)

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When the New York Knicks started building their roster around Jalen Brunson, they targeted his former Villanova Wildcats teammates. In came Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, and then finally Mikal Bridges via trade.

That trade shook up the basketball world after the Knicks sent 5 first-round picks across the city to Brooklyn. Many were left aghast at such a steep price for a player who had not cracked an All-Star team.

Many believed they could have received two good players for that price. However, the Knicks believed it was best to bring in players who would not have to battle through chemistry issues and could hit the ground running.

Their logic made sense, as teams often struggle to bring about consistent basketball when mixing up their roster. In the case of the Knicks, their plan paid off when they finished third in the East. They could have done better, especially when playing against top teams, but it was enough.

In the postseason, they shed those doubts when they first dispatched the Detroit Pistons, albeit with some controversial help. Then, in the semifinals, they started to show their true form.

While Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns focused on the offense, Mikal Bridges became their defensive superstar. His blocks and steals helped his team complete impressive come-from-behind wins against the Boston Celtics.

Now, the Knicks are repaying the 28-year-old for his services. As per NBA Insider Shams Charania, the franchise is awarding him a 4-year, $150 million contract extension, which includes a player option for the 2029-30 season, as well as a trade kicker.

Fans fume at Mikal Bridges’ contract extension

Basketball fans were questioning Mikal Bridges‘ value ever since he joined the New York Knicks. He had not done enough to justify spending five first-round picks. On top of that, many felt he became the 4th option on the team after KAT and OG Anunoby took over games.

Admittedly, his defensive performances in the postseason were exceptional. However, fans disagree that he did enough to warrant a $37.5 million per year extension. They believe his performances on offense have somehow cost the Knicks.

He still averaged 17.6 points in the regular season and 15.6 in the playoffs. But fans believe his salary does not do justice to those numbers. They believe the Knicks could have gotten cheaper players who can also produce those numbers. Check out examples of those reactions below:

Before the 2024-25 season started, Mikal Bridges altered his shooting mechanics. He wanted to launch the ball when his hands were at their highest point. It is not clear if that change impacted his scoring, but his numbers were the worst from the last three seasons.

Mikal Bridges has to step up if Knicks are to win a title

The New York Knicks fell short of their expectations after struggling to battle against the Indiana Pacers. With their focus on slowing down Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, the lack of additional offensive firepower became their undoing.

Mikal Bridges stopping Jayson Tatum in the playoffs
Mikal Bridges stopping Jayson Tatum in the playoffs (Image via Knicks/X)

This season, the franchise has brought in some impressive additions. The hope is that they will help keep the Knicks in command of games when the starters rest. However, to win games, starters such as Mikal Bridges need to step up.

Unless he does, the team as a whole will not be enough to defeat the best in the East. Next season, the Pacers and Celtics will be seemingly out of contention. This leaves the Knicks to battle against the 76ers, Hawks, and Bucks.

If they can step up their game, there is a good chance that Madison Square Garden gets to celebrate an NBA championship later next year. Bridges are one of the keys to that dream.

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