Michael Jordan releases statement: “I am deeply saddened, truly pained, and plain angryâ€

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.

The future of Damian Lillard with the Portland Trail Blazers is at an inflection point leading up to the NBA draft with two probable scenarios: either the Blazers trade some sort of package involving the No. 3 pick for a significant win-now piece, or they keep the pick and likely begin the process of trading Lillard.

“Right now it is really up to Portland,” said Shams Charania on the Pat McAfee Show. “Damian Lillard has really left it up to Portland. He wants to be there. He wants that team to get better. They have the No. 3 pick in the draft, they have the No. 23 pick in the draft, they Anfernee Simons…What can you go get in the marketplace to make this team better?

“If nothing comes about, then I do think Damian Lillard will have to look very hard at his future in Portland.

“But if they do make the team better on Thursday night, then I think you’ll see Damian Lillard be there. As much as people want to make this a Damian Lillard thing, it’s really on Portland. The ball is in Portland’s court.”

Lillard has demonstrated a preference publicly to remain with the Blazers, but he has also wants the team to improve after missing out on the playoffs each of the past two seasons.