Brunson Solidifies Knicks' Core with Four-Year Extension
Jalen Brunson has solidified his place as a cornerstone of the New York Knicks after signing a lucrative four-year, $156 million contract extension. This deal underscores the Knicks' commitment to building a competitive team around their talented point guard. Brunson's extension is a clear signal of the franchise's intention to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference, empowering a player who has shown significant promise and performance on the court.
Mikal Bridges Navigates Extend-and-Trade Rules
Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges, who became eligible for an extension under the NBA's extend-and-trade rules on October 1, has some intriguing financial decisions ahead. Bridges, who secured a four-year, $90 million rookie extension with the Phoenix Suns in 2021, was traded on July 6, opening the door to various contract possibilities. Under the extend-and-trade rules, Bridges can sign for up to four total years with a 20% raise in the first year of the new deal and 5% annual raises thereafter. With two years remaining on his original contract, this means Bridges could potentially sign for around $61.2 million in new money.
If Bridges opts to wait until the next offseason, he can significantly increase the value of his contract. He could sign a deal worth approximately $113 million over three new years. This financial strategy requires patience but could yield considerable rewards.
Moreover, starting July 1, 2025, Bridges can leverage the typical veteran extension guidelines, which allow for a 40% raise in the first new year, followed by 8% annual raises. This structure could enable him to secure four additional years on his deal instead of two, potentially guaranteeing himself around $156 million over four new years and approximately $181 million in total. In the 2026 offseason, Bridges could sign a five-year deal starting at 30% of the salary cap with 8% annual raises, potentially earning up to an impressive $296 million.
However, should Bridges choose to sign with another team, his maximum potential contract would be limited to four years with 5% annual raises, a notable difference from the lucrative opportunities available under his current team's guidelines.
OG Anunoby Re-Signs in New York
In other significant news for New York, OG Anunoby has re-signed with the Knicks for a massive $212.5 million. This extension not only bolsters the Knicks' lineup but also affirms the franchise's strategy of retaining top talent to fortify its roster and enhance its competitiveness moving forward.
The combination of retaining Brunson and Anunoby while exploring lucrative options for players like Bridges highlights the Knicks' aggressive strategy in the NBA market. As the team continues to build and nurture a supportive environment for its key players, the future looks promising for Knicks fans.
In an ever-evolving NBA landscape, the decisions made by players like Brunson and Bridges, along with the strategic moves by the Knicks' management, will undoubtedly shape the team's destiny in the coming seasons. With these pivotal contracts and extensions in place, the Knicks are positioning themselves as formidable contenders, blending experienced talent with promising new prospects to create a balanced and competitive squad.