Mikal Bridges got paid this summer, though his below-max deal is an under-the-radar advantage for New York.
How Mikal Bridges’ $150 million decision could impact the Knicks’ future originally appeared on The Sporting News
The New York Knicks are gearing up for a deep playoff run after falling to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals in the 2024-25 season.
With a championship run in mind, the team has stayed below the second apron to preserve financial flexibility and strengthen its roster. One such move was signing Mikal Bridges to a four-year, $150 million extension — $6 million less than the maximum.
Speaking on The Putback with Ian Begley of SportsNet New York, Keith Smith of Spotrac emphasized the significance of Bridges’ discount and what it means for the Knicks’ financial outlook.
“The Knicks have gotten themselves into a situation where they work under pretty tight margins, and in that case it does matter…if they’re going to continue to push up against the second apron…it will really matter,” Smith said.
MORE: Patrick Beverley reacts to Mikal Bridges' $150 million contract update
The Knicks have built a title contender around Jalen Brunson, who also took a discount to stay in New York. Instead of waiting to sign a five-year, $269.1 million contract in 2025, Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension in July 2024, which includes a player option for the 2028-29 campaign.
By taking that discount last summer, the All-Star point guard gave New York valuable breathing room below the second apron for the time being. The team now has four players projected to make at least $33.4 million annually in the 2026-27 season, when Bridges’ extension kicks in.
While the Knicks are operating well above the salary cap, they’ve maintained enough room below the second apron to fill out their roster with impactful pieces. Moreover, they can still aggregate salaries in future trades, which is a key tool they’d lose if they crossed the second apron.
Although New York may eventually surpass the second apron, the organization has avoided its restrictions for now. That positioning keeps the team’s championship window open, allowing them to continue making meaningful moves if they fall short in 2025-26.
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