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How Giannis Antetokounmpo played a part in Mikal Bridges’ $150 million Knicks extension

Originally posted on HITC | By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 11:44 AM ET

Mikal Bridges has Giannis Antetokounmpo to thank for his $150 million contract from the New York Knicks.

There’s a lot of optimism around the Knicks these days, even after they fell short in the Eastern Conference Finals. The core remains strong, and the club are sticking with it heading into next season.

Outside of bringing in Guershon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson, there have not been many changes. Mike Brown is now in charge, but otherwise, it is mostly business as usual.

Mikal Bridges was heading into the final year of his deal, and the Knicks didn’t waste any time sorting that out this offseason.

And it was not just about keeping a good player around – it was also a response to their handling of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s situation with the Bucks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s refusal to request trade from Milwaukee Bucks paved the way for Mikal Bridges’ extension

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HoopsHype reports that the New York Knicks learned Giannis had no plans to request a trade from Milwaukee. The report stated:

“The New York Knicks got intel that Giannis Antetokounmpo won’t request a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks before signing Mikal Bridges to an extension,” an NBA source told Hoops Wire on Thursday.

“The Knicks would have pursued Giannis had he made himself available. But all indications are that he’s staying put.”

The idea of trading for him was seriously considered by the front office. But once it became clear he wasn’t going anywhere, they shifted focus back to their own roster plans.

Antetokounmpo situation helped Bridges earn $150 million contract

Missing out on Giannis Antetokounmpo seems to have played a direct role in Bridges’ new deal. Once the Knicks realised a move for Giannis wasn’t happening, they moved quickly to secure the 28-year-old player for another four years.

It’s hard to know exactly how Bridges will feel about it. On one hand, it’s the biggest contract of his career, worth $150 million. On the other, he only landed the deal because a superstar trade fell through. It’s not an easy position to be in.

Bridges has seen this side of the business before. Back in 2023, he was part of the package sent from Phoenix to Brooklyn in exchange for Kevin Durant.

This time around, there is no trade involved – just a new contract and another chance to prove his value.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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