(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Last week, the New York Knicks came to terms with superstar guard Jalen Brunson on a contract extension, which was well deserved as he has proven to be one of the best acquisitions the team has made in franchise history up to this point.
Although it was expected that the Knicks would sign Brunson to a lucrative long-term extension at some point, no one expected the up-and-comer to take a considerable pay cut in order to help the team’s financial flexibility for the foreseeable future.
Brunson made an unprecedented move to take considerably less in his new deal, as he is dedicated to making the Knicks into a winner while playing alongside fellow Villanova Wildcats Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo and Mikal Bridges.
With the Knicks having this flexibility, the team will have a much better chance of keeping this team together for the long haul while also having the capability to add more pieces to the championship puzzle along the way.
As if that wasn’t great news for the franchise, it appears that Bridges is willing to do the same and follow in his teammate’s footsteps when it comes time to talk about his contract extension, according to NBA insider Marc Stein via NBA Central.
“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.”
Mikal Bridges is expected to take a pay cut to stay with the Knicks, per @TheSteinLine
“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… pic.twitter.com/9dOXbSiPMU
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 15, 2024
After decades of disappointment, the Knicks appear to be finally righting the ship in New York, giving the team and the fans hope for the future, with the prospect of winning a third NBA title becoming more and more realistic.
It’ll be interesting to see what other moves the Knicks make this offseason in order to improve their roster, as they still have an issue in the frontcourt following Isaiah Hartenstein’s recent departure.
The post Another Knicks Star Is Reportedly Likely To Take A Pay Cut appeared first on The Cold Wire.