From the New York Knicks’ perspective, they should offer Mikal Bridges a new deal over the next few months.
While Bridges wasn't exactly great during his first season with the Knicks, he certainly wasn’t a bad player. Ultimately, the Knicks will have to decide whether they want to keep him around or move him, but it's important to note the package they gave up for him.
There are also other factors to consider, and Dan Favale recently considered them.
He added that while the Knicks will likely give Bridges what he's looking for, there have been reports that the team is interested in Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
If he becomes available, Bridges wouldn't be able to be traded for six months if he were to sign a new deal.
“The Knicks are reportedly still hoping to win the Giannis trade sweepstakes, if and when they begin. His recent noncommittal assessment of the future will not do anything to diminish that hope. In the event he does become available, Bridges could be an integral part of talks. New York currently doesn’t have any first-round picks to offer, and the Bucks will likely value anyone who keeps them competitive in the post-Giannis era, since they don’t control the rights to their own first-rounder until 2031.
“Signing Bridges to a new deal now removes him from the table. Players who sign his type of extension cannot be traded for six months,” he wrote.
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The Knicks would certainly love to add a player of the Bucks' stars' caliber, but it isn't expected for him to be available.
Antetokounmpo has continued to say that he loves Milwaukee. Unless something changes, he should be with the organization again next season, despite whatever the Knicks decide to do with Bridges.