Knicks May Delay Mikal Bridges Extension as Giannis Watch Continues

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been lately linked with the New York Knicks since final month. However, the workforce is aware of that getting the Greek Freak will not be straightforward, and it may cost a little them to lose an vital piece akin to Mikal Bridges.

Bridges was spectacular in his first season with the Knicks, and rumors of him being provided an extension are nicely warranted. Yet the Knicks appear to be tactfully stalling on making any long-term dedication to the swingman.

Knicks Need to Wait Until the Giannis Situation is Solved

The Knicks are paying shut consideration to what goes down in Milwaukee, the place Antetokounmpo’s prolonged future with the Bucks has been a topic of hypothesis, as reported by SNY’s Ian Begley by way of Bleacher Report.

Signing Bridges now would take away from them the potential for making a commerce for six months, a window that the Knicks aren’t prepared to shut but.

“When he does extend, I think that tells you Giannis is put to bed, is off the table in a sense,” Begley mentioned.

Knicks Set Up for Roominess as Giannis Speculation Persists

Heading into the offseason, the potential for Antetokounmpo demanding a commerce hung over Milwaukee’s, in addition to each workforce with cap room and movable property, heads. For a workforce like New York, buying a generational expertise like Giannis would instantly make them championship contenders.

Though there’s been no official phrase that Antetokounmpo will stay or go away, more moderen indications are that he’ll be sticking round with the Bucks.

In May, ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote that Giannis was nonetheless weighing his choices, contemplating a change of surroundings. But since then, a number of voices, together with Giannis himself, have instructed he desires to stay in Milwaukee.

Even so, with uncertainty lingering, groups just like the Knicks are leaving all choices open earlier than locking in key gamers like Bridges.

While Giannis’ “probably” remark gave some hope to Knicks followers, it nonetheless signifies that he may go elsewhere exterior The Garden.

Mikal Bridges Proved His Value in Year One with the Knicks

Even although his extension was delayed, Mikal Bridges has accomplished sufficient to show he is a key a part of New York’s future. In his first full season with the workforce, he averaged 17.6 factors per recreation, excelling as a constant third possibility behind Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Bridges provided regular scoring, two-way play, and added a gritty dimension to the Knicks’ roster. At one yr remaining on his four-year, $90.9 million contract, he is able to receives a commission an extension. He grew to become a high-end chip in a franchise-altering deal, if the Knicks are searching for a star.

If the Knicks approve of Bridges’ contract extension, this solely means one factor: they’ve already moved on from Giannis. This additionally signifies that the Golden State Warriors and the opposite groups have the possibility to steal him.