NBA Trade Rumors: New York Knicks Delay Mikal Bridges Extension Amid $186 million Milwaukee Bucks Star Trade Speculation

The New York Knicks are reportedly holding off on extending Mikal Bridges’ contract this offseason, and it may have everything to do with the uncertainty surrounding Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

New York Knicks Weighing Giannis Trade Possibility Before Locking in Bridges

According to Ian Begley of SNY, the New York Knicks are one of several teams monitoring the trade situation involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. The decision to delay Bridges’ extension appears tied to maintaining flexibility in the event Giannis becomes available.“The Knicks and all the other teams are kind of keeping an eye on Milwaukee and what may or may not happen there,” Begley said. “I think one of the reasons why (Bridges) has not been extended yet is because once you extend him, you cannot trade him for six months…”This six-month no-trade clause following a player’s extension is a crucial factor. If the New York Knicks extend Bridges now, it would rule him out of any blockbuster trade package until midseason. Given the magnitude of a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo deal, New York is keeping its options open.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Status Still Unclear, But Signs Point Toward Staying

Antetokounmpo’s future has been a major storyline this offseason. While speculation ramped up earlier this summer, momentum has shifted toward him remaining in Milwaukee.In May, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Giannis had not made a firm decision about his future with the Bucks and was “open-minded” about exploring other possibilities. However, things have cooled since then:

Timeline of Giannis’ Status Updates

Feigin further added during a recent NBA TV appearance, “Giannis loves Milwaukee, Milwaukee loves Giannis… We feel great about it.

It’s business as usual.”Despite these public reassurances, only Giannis truly knows his next move. The door hasn’t closed completely, which explains why teams like the Knicks remain cautiously hopeful.

Why the New York Knicks Want to Keep the Door Open

For New York, a chance to add a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo would transform their status in the league. They’re already a top contender after acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns to pair with Jalen Brunson. Adding Giannis would elevate them from contenders to clear favorites in the East.Until Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future is locked in, it’s logical for the New York Knicks to avoid committing to any moves that might limit trade options—even if that includes a delay in rewarding Bridges with a well-earned contract extension.

Mikal Bridges’ Value and Contract Situation

Mikal Bridges proved to be a valuable addition in his first year with the Knicks. He averaged 17.6 points per game, serving as a reliable third scoring option behind Brunson and Towns.Bridges is currently entering the final year of his four-year, $90.9 million contract. Based on his performance and fit in the Knicks’ system, an extension seems inevitable—just not until the Giannis Antetokounmpo saga reaches its conclusion.

Bridges’ 2024-25 Season Stats

New York Knicks’ Calculated Approach Signals Long-Term AmbitionThe Knicks’ management is playing the long game. While Mikal Bridges has shown he’s deserving of a new deal, the front office is prioritizing flexibility—especially with a generational talent like Antetokounmpo potentially in play.Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Could Land $86.6 Million Orlando Magic Superstar in Bold Three-Team Trade ProposalNew York fans may need to be patient, but this strategic pause could pay off massively if it results in a once-in-a-decade acquisition.