Knicks’ Mikal Bridges could be delaying extension for league-altering reason

New York Knicks guard/forward Mikal Bridges is eligible for a four-year, $156 million contract extension this summer but has not signed one over a month into the offseason, raising questions about the delay.

The lack of an agreement suggests two possibilities: either Bridges and the Knicks are struggling to agree on extension terms, or the Knicks are deliberately holding off to preserve Bridges as a potential trade asset for a major move. Speculation centers on the Knicks' reported interest in acquiring Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo should he become available, despite no formal trade request.

If Antetokounmpo hits the market, Bridges could be crucial to trade talks. The Knicks lack first-round picks to offer, and the Bucks would value players who help them remain competitive post-Giannis. Signing Bridges to an extension now would remove him as a trade piece for six months due to league rules.

Bridges, acquired last offseason for five first-round picks, had an inconsistent first season with the Knicks, averaging 17.6 points on 50% shooting overall and 35.4% from three-point range. His defense dipped in the regular season but improved significantly during the playoffs, highlighted by key defensive plays in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics.

A trade for Antetokounmpo would be extremely costly, requiring more than just Bridges and potentially involving players like Karl-Anthony Towns or OG Anunoby, while also depleting the Knicks' draft capital. However, acquiring the two-time MVP could transform the Knicks into title contenders and alter the Eastern Conference landscape, despite the significant risk.

The Knicks have the entire offseason to negotiate an extension with Bridges, but a potential blockbuster trade for Antetokounmpo remains a possibility.