If you think Mikal Bridges’ $150 million extension is an overpay or exposes the New York Knicks to serious risk, consider this: He could have been waaaaay more expensive had he reached unrestricted free agency in 2026—to the tune of $200 million, or potentially much more.
For the time being, Bridges’ max extension was capped at four years and $156.2 million. Next summer, his deal could have cost more per season and/or run for longer. Assuming the salary cap rises by 7 percent for 2026-27, like it did for 2025-26, here is where Bridges’ various max deals could’ve landed:
- Four-year max with the Knicks: $222.