The New York Knicks are burdened with big contracts, and the franchise was facing the possibility of hitting the luxury tax threshold, though All-Defensive forward Mikal Bridges helped the organization by taking a notable pay cut.
Bridges signed a massive four-year, $150 million extension over the summer, worth $37.5 million per season, although he was eligible for a bigger contract totaling $156 million.
More news: Knicks’ $220 Million All-Star Opens Up on Shocking Trade
The $6 million saved helped give the Knicks flexibility in signing free agents this offseason and for the long term.
Bridges could have entered unrestricted free agency after this season and gone with another team, though he opted to stay locked in long-term with the Knicks.
At media day for the Knicks, Bridges explained his decision to sign for less than the max contract.
“Because I love it here. Love the fans, love the culture, love the staff and everybody, front office, everything, teammates. That’s probably the biggest thing,” Bridges said.
“I know, throughout last year, last year was tough throughout the season and playoffs helped a little bit but I think I just appreciate the fans and everybody.”
“I think a lot of people thought I might be upset because everybody was getting on me too hard, but I think I was more mad at myself because everything they want was what I want so it’s not like a ‘why ‘y’all getting on me?’ Some things get a little too crazy, but that’s just life [and] how it is.”
More news: Knicks Star Says He Was ‘Miserable’ in New York Before Shocking Trade
Bridges is surrounded by several of his college teammates, including Brunson and Josh Hart, while playing in a primary TV market and on a competitive roster.
Surrounded by his friends and in a good basketball situation, Bridges figured that the grass is not always greener, and $150 million is a substantial amount of money.