Miles McBride Admits Being “Disappointed” With Contract Extension Talks With Knicks

Miles McBride wants to stay with the New York Knicks long-term, but the team's stance on the salary cap is putting that future in doubt.

Miles McBride Admits Being “Disappointed” With Contract Extension Talks With Knicks

Miles McBride (Image credits - Yahoo Sports)

The New York Knicks are coming off a historic championship run this year. They reached the pinnacle of basketball by lifting the NBA championship last season. It was their first title in 53 years.

During their playoff run, they beat the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and San Antonio Spurs. After going 2-1 down to the Hawks in the first round, they went on a 13-game winning streak, including clean sweeps of the 76ers and the Cavs.

The Knicks have done a fine job in retaining their core. Heading into the new season, they have kept Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges. However, they may lose a key player in Miles McBride.

Speaking to the Daily News on Friday, McBride spoke about the uncertainty surrounding his future with the franchise.

I’m a little disappointed… I’ve played through injury. I’ve been through a lot with this team, and I’ve worked my way into being a key guy.

Miles McBride on New York Daily News

Miles McBride was instrumental off the bench for the New York Knicks last season. He averaged a career-high 12 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 41 appearances last season. 26 of those appearances came off the bench. However, he did feature in all 19 postseason games.

While they did retain most of their players from last season, the Knicks had to part ways with Mitchell Robinson. The big man played a key role for the Knicks off the bench and became a fan favorite in New York. As they look to stay under the second apron, it looks like Miles McBride may be the next player on his way out.

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Miles McBride is nowhere near his basketball ceiling

Miles McBride was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder as a second-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He was immediately traded to the Knicks and was offered a contract. His career took time to take off as he struggled for minutes in his first two seasons.

Miles McBride
Miles McBride (Image credits – Sports Illustrated)

He made significant improvements in his third season and has been on the rise since. During his interview, McBride revealed that he still has a lot of room for improvement.

It’s a big recency bias type of thing when it comes to the NBA. I know I’m capable of a lot of things, but sometimes, the game is: it’s only one thing and you got to play different roles. So, I’m ready to always expand my game.

Miles McBride on New York Daily News

At 26, McBride is in the prime of his career. He might ultimately play out the season with the Knicks, but what happens after that is anyone’s guess.

It remains to be seen if the Knicks will offer him a new contract. Until then, McBride will do everything he can to prove he belongs and earn a bigger role in New York. However, if he performs well in the upcoming season, the Knicks front office may reward him with a new contract.

Second apron concerns complicate Miles McBride’s future with the Knicks

James Dolan, who is the owner of the New York Knicks, has been clear about wanting to stay under the second apron. It was the main reason why they were not able to retain Robinson in the summer, as they could not offer him a new contract. They decided to not trade him and play out the last season of his contract with them.

Miles McBride finds himself in a similar situation at the moment. He will likely play the next season in New York and leave as a free agent unless the Knicks decide to trade him at the trade deadline next year.

The Knicks are being smart about who they commit to paying large contracts to. They have limited financial room to offer McBride a long-term deal as they have a number of contract extensions lined up for the year.

There is no doubt that Jalen Brunson will be rewarded with a hefty contract after his performances over the past two years. KAT and Josh Hart also have potential extensions lined up.

Therefore, McBride’s future with the Knicks looks bleak at the moment. However, he will be focused on helping them lift back-to-back championships as they look to become the first team to win two in a row since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018.

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