How Zion Williamson is becoming a bigger factor on defense

While Mikal Bridges becomes eligible to sign a two-year, $72.5 million extension with the New York Knicks on October 1st and there was initially some level of expectation he would sign it, ESPN’s Bobby Marks reports that the current intel is

“The indication I’ve gotten just from talking to people is that there is not going to be an extension,” said Marks on the Hoop Collective Podcast. “That he will wait until next year to look at what the extension… because he’s limited as far as the six-month rule as far as what he can extend for. Next year, he can extend for four years. It just gives him more flexibility. That could certainly change by October 21st. Maybe this trade does change that thinking. This was talking to people before this [Karl-Anthony Towns] trade happened.”

Because Bridges’ four-year, $90.9 million extension signed with the Phoenix Suns in 2021 contains no options, his extension cannot begin until the 26-27 season. Bridges is represented by agents Jordan Gertler and Sam Goldfeder. The Knicks acquired Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets in June.