NBA Rumors: Mikal Bridges rejected Knicks’ two-year, $60 million contract extension offer | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

Mikal Bridges has reportedly rejected the New York Knicks’ contract extension offer before Monday’s deadline.

According to James Edwards of The Athletic, the Knicks offered Bridges a two-year, $60 million extension, which he declined. Bridges is entering the third year of a four-year, $90 million contract and will be a free agent after the 2025-26 season.

It makes sense that Bridges decided not to accept the extension, as he is eligible for a four-year contract worth $156 million starting next season, according to Edwards. The two-year, $60 million deal was the most he was eligible for this season, Edwards also noted.

Bridges has continually improved over the course of his career and could earn the full $156 million he is eligible for if he puts together a big season.

He is coming off a year in which he averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and one steal per game. The Knicks brought him in to provide a spark on both ends of the floor as they looked to capitalize on their championship window. If he does his job right, it will likely result in a big payday next year.

The Knicks reached the Eastern Conference semifinals and fell one win short of reaching the Eastern Conference Finals despite a roster depleted by injuries. This offseason they added a talented swingman in Bridges and an All-Star in Karl-Anthony Towns.

These two along with star point guard Jalen Brunson and a strong supporting cast with Josh Hart, OG Anunoby and more means New York has what it takes to become a championship team.

Bridges hopes to get a big extension after the 2024-25 season, but will ultimately have a title on his head this year.