Report: Knicks won’t offer immediate extension to Mikal Bridges

The New York Knicks reportedly won’t reach an extension with wing Mikal Bridges when he first becomes eligible for an extension.

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the indication is that Bridges will wait until next year since he is currently limited at what he can extend his deal to. If he waits, Marks pointed out that the former first-round pick could sign a four-year extension with the Knicks.

“He does,” Marks said when asked about Bridges becoming extension eligible. “I think the window is gonna open within the next couple of days for two for 60. And the indication I got – I’ve gotten – just from talking with people is that there is not going to be an extension. That he will wait until next year to look at what – cause he’s limited as far as the six-month rule as far as what he can extend for. Next year, he can extend for four years. So, it just gives him more flexibility as far as – that could certainly change by Oct. 21, and maybe this trade (the Karl-Anthony Towns deal) does change that thinking.”

New York made some major moves this offseason, acquiring Bridges in a deal with the Brooklyn Nets. In the trade, the Knicks gave up Bojan Bogdanovic, Mamadi Diakite, Shake Milton and a plethora of draft capital.

Then, this month, the Knicks made a deal for Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star big man Karl-Anthony Towns, sending out Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo as part of the deal.

After winning 50 games and earning the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference last season, the Knicks are clearly going all in to win a title.

However, Bridges’ future with the franchise is also important since he only has two seasons left on his contract.

Last season, Bridges averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 43.6 percent from the field and 37.2 percent from beyond the arc.

He’s shown he can thrive in an expanded role, as in the 2022-23 season, after he was traded to Brooklyn by the Phoenix Suns, Bridges averaged 26.1 points per game in 27 games for the Nets.

It’s possible the Knicks would rather wait to extend Bridges so they can lock him into a longer deal. For now, New York needs to focus on integrating some of its new pieces into the roster after a busy offseason.