Mikal Bridges, arguably the most talented wing in the NBA, has been rejecting a contract extension offer from the New York Knicks.
The Iron Man of the NBA, who looks to continue his streak, might soon join a new team if the rumors about his extension are true.
Why Bridges Declined the Knicks' Contract
Per James Edwards of The Athletic, the Knicks offered Bridges a two-year, $60 million extension before Monday's deadline, but Bridges decided he was going to reject it. He is on the third year of his four-year, $90 million deal and will be a free agent after the 2025-26 season.
Though it might have seemed like money in the bank from the Knicks, bigger and brighter financial fish are about to be hooked by Bridges in the next season.
According to Edwards, Bridges will become eligible for a four-year, $156 million deal next season. He will reportedly sign an extension of $156 million as the present deal with the team is at $60 million. It's a great deal for the 27-year-old forward, particularly after his breakout season.
Per league sources, the Knicks did offer what they could — two years, $60 million — but again that just doesn’t make sense for Bridges given age and consistent production. https://t.co/4FTUXgtDVR
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) October 21, 2024
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Bridges' Value Is Still Phenomenal
Bridges has only improved with time, and his stats confirm it. Last year, the junior held averages of 19.6 ppg, four rpg, three apg, and one spg. Bridges's game on both ends of the court makes him ridiculously valuable, and with the form that earned him that phenomenal last season, he is highly likely to attract that contract worth $156 million.
According to Bleacher Report, the Knicks added Bridges to advance the team's offense and defense, which could sustain a long playoff run. After a season in which the team reached the Eastern Conference semifinals, the team is looking forward to a much better season, especially now that Bridges is around to firm up their lineup.
Bridges' Shooting Style is Concerning
Despite excellent stats, concerns now emerge regarding Bridges' shooting form ahead of his first season with the Knicks.
Against the Washington Wizards in their preseason closer, Bridges was 0 for 10 from beyond the arc, and so questions of whether he can be constant enough with his shooting begin to surface, per CBS Sports.
Though Bridges has been an effective shooter throughout his career, hitting at a 37.5% clip from three, that's also drawn attention to his shooting form. Bridges himself noted he has altered his form in recent seasons, working to erase a hitch he developed early in his career.
"Ever since I got into the league, been trying to fix it back to when I was in college," Bridges said. "So it's been seven years of just every day.
Will Bridges Bounce Back?
As much as he has been abysmal in the preseason shooting, it is still too early to panic for the Knicks fan. For example, Bridges' history of impressive catch-and-shoot performances might bring much-needed life into him by playing with Jalen Brunson or Karl-Anthony Towns. However, if such troubles continue in the regular season, then it may be an issue for management, as they did some big restructuring to get him on board.
This season should bring a lot of good play for Bridges: he could secure a huge cash payoff and be a key player in the Knicks' quest for a championship if he accepted the contract.
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