Mikal Bridges Says He Passed On Max Deal to Compete For A Title With Knicks

At the New York Knicks media day, Mikal Bridges made it clear where his priorities lie. The 28-year-old forward confirmed that he intentionally passed on a maximum contract extension to sign a four-year, $150 million deal with New York, leaving millions on the table so the team could maintain financial flexibility in its pursuit of a championship.

Bridges explained his reasoning in straightforward fashion: 

"The biggest thing, I think, you know, if I came here and preach how much I want to win and try to take every dollar and make it difficult for, you know, the organization, then I'll just seem like a fraud and that's not who I am. You know, I want to win bad and whatever it takes." 

"And like I said, I love all the guys here. So why wouldn't I not want the next man up that needs some money? Why would I not give them an opportunity to get paid as well? So I think I got a good amount of money. I think a couple more M's will change my life. So I think it would be better to help everybody else out.”

Bridges’ decision comes just a year after his teammate Jalen Brunson made a similar sacrifice. In July 2024, Brunson signed a four-year, $156.5 million extension, despite being eligible for a five-year, $270 million contract if he had waited another year. 

That move gave the Knicks more flexibility to retain and add talent. Now, Bridges has followed suit, further cementing the unselfish culture the “Nova Knicks” core has built in New York.

Bridges, acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets in 2024, has quickly become one of the team’s cornerstones. Last season, he played all 82 games, averaging 17.6 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.2 rebounds on 50.0 percent shooting and 36.4% shooting from 3-point range.

In the playoffs, he delivered in high-pressure moments, most notably a game-winning steal and layup in overtime against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Knicks’ magical run ultimately ended in the East Finals against the Indiana Pacers, a loss that Bridges says has only made him hungrier.

For New York, Bridges’ sacrifice comes at a crucial time. After parting ways with Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks hired Mike Brown, hoping his defensive system and championship experience could push the team further.

The front office has also doubled down on its star core of Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Bridges. By taking less money, Bridges ensures the Knicks have more room to build out the roster around them.

In today’s NBA, where max deals are the standard for top players, Bridges’ move stands out. It reinforces his reputation as a selfless teammate and leader willing to put winning ahead of personal gain. Alongside Brunson’s earlier sacrifice, it sets the tone for a team that believes it is on the cusp of something bigger.

The Knicks’ championship window is open, and Bridges has made it clear that for him, chasing a ring in New York is worth more than chasing every last dollar.