In a major move for the New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson has inked a four-year contract extension worth a staggering $156 million. This significant financial commitment cements Brunson's place in the Knicks' core and signals the franchise's determined effort to build a competitive team around their talented point guard.
Brunson's extension is just one of the latest big-money deals in the NBA, highlighting the league's ever-evolving financial landscape and the high value placed on securing talent long-term. With the Knicks demonstrating their belief in Brunson as a cornerstone player, the franchise is clearly intent on constructing a formidable lineup capable of making deep playoff runs.
Mikal Bridges' Path to Extension
While Brunson has solidified his future with the Knicks, Mikal Bridges finds himself at a pivotal juncture in his career. Eligible for an extension under the NBA's extend-and-trade rules as of October 1, Bridges' situation offers a fascinating study in strategic contract negotiations. These allow Bridges to sign for up to four total years with a 20% raise in the first year of the new deal and 5% annual raises thereafter.
Bridges, who captured a four-year, $90 million rookie extension with the Phoenix Suns back in 2021, was traded on July 6. With two years remaining on his original contract, he could potentially add around $61.2 million in new money under the extend-and-trade rules.
The decisions facing Bridges are multi-faceted. If he waits until the next offseason, he could sign a contract worth approximately $113 million over three new years. Alternatively, starting July 1, 2025, he could leverage typical veteran extension guidelines, enabling a first new year raise of 40%, followed by 8% annual raises. This approach could secure four additional years on his deal instead of two, guaranteeing him around $156 million over four new years and approximately $181 million in total.
Bridges' Future Paydays
The strategic possibilities for Bridges extend even further. In the 2026 offseason, he could aim for a lucrative five-year deal starting at 30% of the salary cap with 8% annual raises, potentially netting himself up to $296 million. However, if he seeks a new team, his maximum potential contract would be limited to four years with 5% annual raises.
These various options highlight the intricate financial calculations and planning that underpin an NBA player's career decisions. For Bridges, each path carries its potential rewards and risks, with significant financial implications for his future in the league.
OG Anunoby's Big New York Payday
Elsewhere in the league, OG Anunoby has also secured a significant financial windfall, re-signing in New York for $212.5 million. Anunoby's deal adds another high-profile talent to the city's basketball scene, further emphasizing the franchise's commitment to building a competitive roster through major financial investments.
The deals for Brunson and Anunoby highlight a broader trend within the NBA where franchises are unafraid to spend big to retain and acquire top talent. As teams strive to build squads that can compete at the highest levels, the financial stakes continue to rise, reflecting the intense competition and high rewards of the league.
As the NBA continues to evolve, these high-stakes contract negotiations and extensions will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of the league. Whether through securing rookie extensions, navigating the complexities of extend-and-trade rules, or leveraging veteran extension guidelines, the financial strategies of both players and franchises will remain a captivating aspect of the sport for fans and analysts alike.