Knicks’ Mikal Bridges could be traded amid looming $156 million contract decision

The New York Knicks are facing a $156 million decision this offseason, but they may explore the trade market before offering any new contracts. 

Mikal Bridges is eligible for a four-year, $156 million extension this offseason. New York acquired the talented two-way wing from the Nets last July in exchange for a massive package that included five first-round picks and a pick swap.

However, his time in New York could end sooner than expected, as the club is exploring trade packages for the 28-year-old, according to Frank Isola of ESPN. 

The Knicks may look to shake up their roster after falling to the Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals. Despite the steep price they paid to land Bridges, his looming extension could push the team toward a blockbuster trade this summer. 

The swingman delivered some standout performances in the playoffs, though his overall efficiency was a concern — particularly from three-point range. He shot 45.6 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc across 18 postseason appearances. 

Depth was another major issue for New York in the playoffs, and moving Bridges could net the Knicks rotation-level players and draft capital. 

While the Knicks could retain Bridges without an extension, there’s a risk he could walk in free agency, leaving the Knicks with nothing in return after giving up significant draft capital. On the other hand, signing him to a long-term extension could push New York into the second apron starting in the 2026-27 campaign, making a trade more likely if both sides can’t agree to a deal.