Bridges Mikal, Knicks, according to reports, accept a four -year extension and $ 150 million

The first season of Mikal Bridges gathered with his crew of Villanova in New York was not up to par The steep five prices of the first round paid for himAlthough Bridges started finding his foot and had some critical defensive moments in the playoffs.

This, together with its potential adaptation in the system of the new coach Mike Brown, the Knicks and Bridges agree on an extension of the four -year contract of $ 150 million, something reported for the first time by Shams Charania by Espn And since confirmed by more other relationships.

This is slightly lower than the maximum of $ 156 million that he could have obtained this summer, observes Chania. Although it may not seem very much, the yield should give the Knicks greater financial flexibility and help them avoid the feared according to luxury tax apron in the future seasons. Bridges could also have waited for a year, becoming a free agent and obtaining a wider five -year contract, but instead he took this agreement, and he was intentional according to reports: he was willing to sacrifice a little to help the Knicks to build a list at the championship level.

This agreement blocks the nucleus of the Knicks-Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG ANUNOBY, Josh Hart, Bridges and Miles “Deuce” McBride-For another two seasons, which become three years if Kat and Hart choose their player options. The average salary of $ 37.5 million bridges on this contract is the highest fourth of the team (behind the city, Anunoby and Brunson). That the Knicks were willing to pay the bridges so much now suggests that Giannis Antetokounmpo will not be available next season.

Bridges had a first season up and down in New York, with an average of 17.6 points per game and shooting 35.4% from 3, its lowest percentage from its beginner season. However, it seemed more comfortable in the Tom Thibodeau system while the season went on and had some critical defensive games in the playoffs, helping the Knicks to reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years. Bridges is considered one of the players who are more likely to benefit from the new football movement system, more coach of the new coach Mike Brown, should bring to Madison Square Garden next season.