Jalen Brunson Locks in Lucrative Contract Extension with Knicks
Jalen Brunson has signed a four-year, $156 million contract extension with the New York Knicks, solidifying his role as a central figure in the franchise's future. This substantial deal underscores the Knicks' dedication to building a competitive roster around their talented point guard.
Brunson’s newly inked contract positions him as a key component in the Knicks' core, reflecting the team's determination to establish a formidable line-up. The move signals the Knicks' ambition to rise in the NBA ranks, with Brunson steering the ship at the point guard position.
Mikal Bridges’ Emerging Contract Scenarios
Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges finds himself in a favorable position as he became eligible for an extension under the NBA's extend-and-trade rules starting October 1. Bridges, who secured a four-year, $90 million rookie extension with the Phoenix Suns back in 2021, was traded on July 6, adding an interesting twist to his contractual circumstances.
The extend-and-trade rules present Bridges with an attractive opportunity. These rules allow him to sign for up to four total years with a 20% raise in the first year of the new deal and 5% annual raises thereafter. Given that Bridges has two years remaining on his original contract, he could potentially sign for around $61.2 million in new money under these provisions.
However, if Bridges opts to wait until the next offseason, he could sign a contract worth approximately $113 million over three new years. This strategic patience might yield a more significant financial reward.
Starting July 1, 2025, Bridges can leverage the typical veteran extension guidelines, enabling a 40% raise in the first new year, followed by 8% annual raises. This potential extension could secure Bridges four additional years on his deal instead of just two. Such a move could guarantee him around $156 million over four new years, totaling approximately $181 million.
Looking further ahead to the 2026 offseason, Bridges could sign a five-year contract starting at 30% of the salary cap with 8% annual raises, potentially earning up to $296 million. However, with another team, his maximum potential contract would be limited to four years with 5% annual raises.
OG Anunoby's Significant Re-signing
Another notable re-signing comes from New York, where OG Anunoby has committed to a substantial deal, re-signing for $212.5 million. This deal signifies a massive investment by the team, indicating a profound belief in Anunoby's capabilities and his role in the future success of the franchise.
The contract renewals of Brunson and Anunoby, combined with the potential extensions for Bridges, paint an intriguing picture of the NBA's financial landscape and the strategic decisions players and teams must navigate. These moves showcase the dynamic nature of team-building in the league, where both immediate commitments and long-term planning play crucial roles.
As these players secure their futures, the franchises they represent also position themselves strategically within the league. The talents of Brunson, Bridges, and Anunoby will undoubtedly be pivotal in their respective teams’ quests for NBA supremacy.