From five first-round picks to $150 million.
The Knicks will extend the contract of Mikal Bridges, a source confirmed Thursday, with the durable wing agreeing to four years and $150 million and a player option.
The deal landed about $6 million less than the max, which might help the Knicks moving forward as they navigate the CBA’s apron restrictions.
By agreeing to a deal, Bridges is also forgoing free agency next summer, when he could’ve signed for considerably more — nearly $300 million over five years at a max rate.
Bridges remains a key part of a Knicks core that also includes Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby — all in their primes and signed through at least the next three seasons. Bridges was acquired last year from the Nets for five first-round picks, a hefty price that appeared an overpay as he struggled in his first months with his new team.
He then starred in the opening two rounds of the playoffs — against the Pistons and Celtics — before disappointing in the conference final against the Pacers.
Now, he’s locked in for four more years.
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