Jalen Brunson has made a significant financial commitment with the New York Knicks, securing his place in their core lineup for the foreseeable future. The talented point guard agreed to a four-year, $156 million contract extension, a clear signal of the Knicks' dedication to building a competitive team around him.
Brunson's extension reflects the franchise's intention to stabilize its core and improve its standing in the league. With this move, the Knicks are banking on Brunson's continued development and leadership on and off the court.
Meanwhile, another player, Mikal Bridges, is navigating the complexities of the NBA's extend-and-trade rules. As of October 1, Bridges became eligible for an extension under these specific guidelines. Initially, Bridges secured a four-year, $90 million rookie extension with the Phoenix Suns in 2021. However, his journey took a turn when he was traded on July 6.
The extend-and-trade rules allow for Bridges to sign a deal of up to four years, featuring a 20% raise in the first year of the new contract, followed by 5% annual raises. With two years remaining on his original contract, Bridges could potentially sign for around $61.2 million in new money under these rules. However, patience might be a virtue for Bridges. If he waits until the next offseason, he could ink a contract worth approximately $113 million over three new years.
The financial landscape shifts even further starting July 1, 2025. At this point, Bridges can utilize the typical veteran extension guidelines, which would allow for a 40% raise in the first new year, followed by 8% annual raises. This scenario enables Bridges to secure four additional years on his deal instead of just two, potentially guaranteeing around $156 million over four new years and approximately $181 million in total.
A future advantage awaits Bridges if he moves into the 2026 offseason. Should he opt for this route, he could sign a five-year deal starting at 30% of the salary cap with 8% annual raises, which could culminate in earnings up to $296 million. However, these attractive figures come with a caveat. If Bridges decides to join another team, his maximum potential contract would be limited to four years with 5% annual raises.
In an interesting twist within the New York basketball narrative, OG Anunoby has also recommitted to the city, signing a substantial $212.5 million contract. Anunoby's re-signing adds another layer of depth and talent to the Knicks' lineup, reinforcing their strategy of bolstering key positions to enhance their performance ceiling.
These contract maneuvers and strategic signings underscore a broader trend in the NBA, where financial incentives and long-term commitments play pivotal roles in shaping team rosters and futures. For both Brunson and Bridges, as well as players like Anunoby, the future looks promising, not only in terms of personal financial gains but also in the potential for on-court success and legacy building within the league.