Knicks' $150M Man Benched
Mikal Bridges, recently signed by the Knicks for $150M over 4 years, is already underperforming — averaging just 7 points across the Lakers and Clippers games Knicks Fan TV Post Game Show. He even got benched in crunch time against the Clippers, leading to questions about his fit Knicks Fan TV Post Game Show. The Knicks lost both games, struggling with turnovers and an overreliance on three-point shooting Knicks Fan TV Post Game Show, Los Angeles Lakers vs New York Knicks | Full Game Highlights | March 8, 2026.
Bridges inked a 4-year, $150 million extension with the Knicks in July 2025, including a player option for the 2029-30 season. He took approximately $6 million less than the max to provide the Knicks with financial flexibility. The deal also includes a trade kicker and a six-month no-trade clause. Before joining the Knicks in July 2024, Bridges was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023 in exchange for Kevin Durant. The Knicks acquired Bridges along with Keita Bates-Diop for Bojan Bogdanovic, Shake Milton, and five future first-round picks. The trade reunited him with former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. So far in the 2025-26 season, Bridges is averaging around 15.2-15.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. His regular season stats in 2024-25 were 17.6 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.2 rebounds. Despite the recent struggles, Bridges holds an active NBA record for consecutive games played. The Knicks currently have a 41-24 record and are third in the Eastern Conference. Tom Thibodeau, known for his defensive coaching style, is in his fifth season as the Knicks' head coach. Thibodeau is known for pushing players and emphasizing hard work, sometimes leading to injuries.
