There's a strong argument to be made that New York Knicks superstar Jalen Brunson is on the best contract in the NBA. Brunson took a deal $12 million less than what many expected him to, giving the Knicks an opportunity to sign other players.
Brunson is playing on a four-year, $156.5 million deal.
According to a recent report from Bobby Marks of ESPN, Brunson’s decision to take $12 million less could have an important impact on Mikal Bridges’ future with the team.
He noted that because of Brunson's contract, it gives the Knicks the room to sign Bridges to a four-year, $156.1 million extension.
"While the Knicks won't exceed the second apron this year, that could change in 2026-27 if they want to keep their top seven players under contract," Marks wrote. "New York is $52 million below the second apron next season, a by-product of Jalen Brunson taking $12 million less in salary. That discount gives New York the room to sign Mikal Bridges to a four-year, $156.1 million extension."
While Bridges didn't have the best season with the Knicks in his first go-around, it's also unfair to suggest that he was bad.
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There were periods throughout the year when he struggled a bit, but for the most part, Bridges was a solid player.
It's tough to say that he was worth the amount of picks they gave up, but as a player, Bridges was often more than fine on the court.
For an above-average wing defender who can knock down open shots, Bridges is worth that type of money.
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