Mikal Bridges might be holding off on Knicks extension for one huge reason

Mikal Bridges has been eligible to sign a four-year, $156.2 million extension with the New York Knicks since the end of the 2025 NBA Finals. The lack of an agreement after a month could indicate a problem, but it might also be Bridges strategically ensuring he won't be traded mid-season to the Milwaukee Bucks, a scenario linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Knicks reportedly remain hopeful of acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo if he becomes available, despite his noncommittal statements about his future. Bridges could be a crucial part of any trade package for Giannis, as the Knicks lack first-round picks to offer and the Bucks would value players who keep them competitive post-Giannis.

Signing an extension now would make Bridges untradeable for six months. However, if he signs by August 5, 2025, the six-month trade restriction would lift before the projected February 5, 2026, trade deadline, making him eligible to be dealt next season. If Bridges signs the extension on August 6 or later, he would be ineligible for a trade during the entire 2025-26 season, guaranteeing he stays in New York.

Players are known to consider such timing strategies, as demonstrated by Lauri Markkanen's deal with the Utah Jazz. While the Knicks could withdraw the extension offer or not offer one, both options are risky. Leaving Bridges unsigned risks him entering unrestricted free agency in 2026, where he could become the most sought-after player and command a much larger contract, potentially exceeding $200 million for four years instead of the current $156.2 million.

Therefore, it benefits the 28-year-old Bridges to delay signing until after August 5 to secure his position for the season, and it benefits the Knicks to allow him to sign whenever to avoid a potentially more expensive contract next summer. The Knicks accept that this timing might complicate a midseason pursuit of Giannis, acknowledging they cannot guarantee Giannis will be available anyway.