The New York Knicks have not yet reached an agreement on a contract extension with Mikal Bridges, and according to reporting from SNY’s Ian Begley, that delay may be at least partially strategic.
While there could be multiple factors involved, Begley suggests that the uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term future with the Milwaukee Bucks could be influencing the Knicks’ hesitation.
Essentially, the Knicks might be intentionally holding off on finalizing an extension with Bridges in order to preserve their flexibility for a potential blockbuster trade – specifically, in case Antetokounmpo becomes available.
“As teams like the Knicks keep a close watch on the situation in Milwaukee and what direction things might take with Giannis, there’s a belief that the front office is proceeding cautiously with Bridges for a reason,” Begley explained during a recent episode of The Putback.
“With the Knicks and all the other teams kind of keeping an eye on Milwaukee and what may or may not happen there, I think one of the reasons why he has not been extended yet is because once you extend him, you cannot trade him for six months,” Begley said.
“I think that’s why you haven’t seen Bridges extended yet. When he does extend, I think that would tell you Giannis is put to bed, is off the table in a sense.”
The Knicks’ rumored interest in the two-time MVP is nothing new, and while talk surrounding Antetokounmpo’s availability has cooled off since the Bucks reshaped their roster by adding Myles Turner and moving on from Damian Lillard, it’s clear the door hasn’t been shut entirely.
As Begley’s comments suggest, New York could be keeping its options open – and keeping Bridges unextended – just in case an opportunity to pursue Antetokounmpo arises.
Atlantic Notes: Bridges, Hansen, Knicks Summer League, Embiid https://t.co/QmsavfMu88 pic.twitter.com/7jMCdKT1W4
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