Report: Mikal Bridges expected to follow Jalen Brunson's lead in contract negotiations

Jalen Brunson signed a team-friendly contract extension with the New York Knicks. He reportedly left over $113M on the table. 

However, Brunson's actions have ensured the Knicks have the financial flexibility to keep their newly built core together for the foreseeable future. Brunson's actions helped his team avoid the second luxury tax apron.

On Monday, Marc Stein reported that Mikal Bridges is expected to follow Brunson's lead when it's time for him to negotiate his own extension. 

"League sources say that the expectation now, furthermore, is that Bridges is likely to follow Brunson's lead and sign a team-friendly deal of his own when it's his turn to negotiate an extension (he's eligible for a shorter and less attractive deal as soon as Oct. 1 or a four-year extension if he waits until after the season) that cements himself at MSG alongside his fellow former Villanova teammates Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo." Stein reported.

Bridges was acquired by New York at the start of the free agency period. The front office pushed all of its tradable assets into the deal. Bridges is seen as the missing piece to New York's championship puzzle. He will bring high-level scoring and some much-needed point-of-attack defense on the wing. He also fits into the Villanova core the Knicks have built around.

The Knicks have constructed a roster that's capable of competing for the NBA championship in the coming years. Tom Thibodeau has instilled a team-first mentality within the locker room. Brunson's recent contract decision highlighted that approach on a national stage. 

If Bridges follows a similar decision-making process, he will rapidly endear himself to the New York fanbase. 

With a sacrifice mentality and a deep roster full of two-way talent, the Knicks are set for a sustainable period of dominance. The more players who take discounts to stick with the franchise, the longer New York can continue working towards their end goal of winning a championship. 

Brunson has set the bar. Bridges appears set to follow. Then, it will be interesting to see if any more members of the roster are willing to leave some money on the table in search of glory.