On the eve of his contract-extension eligibility, Mikal Bridges claimed ambivalence.
“I’ve no clue, man,” Bridges mentioned Monday. “I’m simply excited for coaching camp.”
Starting Tuesday, Bridges turns into eligible for a two-year, $60 million extension tacked on to the remaining two seasons of his deal.
It’s a no brainer choice to supply the max from the Knicks’ perspective.
However money-wise, it is senseless for Bridges.
If he waits till subsequent yr to signal, Bridges could be eligible for the standard veteran extension price as a lot as $146 million over 4 years.
And if he waits till free company in 2026, Bridges can signal for roughly $295 million over 5 years.
Jalen Brunson took a giant low cost this summer season within the identify of safety and sustaining the Knicks’ monetary flexibility, opening the door for rumors of his former Villanova teammate doing the identical.
However an extension for Bridges this month could be a good larger low cost and dedication from a participant who has but to log one sport with the Knicks.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported just lately that “indications are” Bridges “will wait till subsequent yr” to signal an extension.
The Knicks need Mitchell Robinson feeling 100% earlier than he returns from one other setback in his restoration from surgical procedure, in keeping with Tom Thibodeau.
“We’re going to be affected person and take our time with it,” mentioned the coach, who wouldn’t reply if he expects Robinson to return this season. “I don’t wish to put any kind of timeframe on it. When he’s able to go, he’s able to go. He’s doing effectively. I can let you know that with what he’s doing proper now. And so, once more, we’re simply going to go step-by-step with that.”
Regardless of Thibodeau’s vagueness, a league supply mentioned Robinson is predicted to play once more in December or January.
Nonetheless, that timeline can be fluid and topic to Robinson hitting milestones in his restoration.
He initially underwent surgical procedure in December to restore a stress fracture in his ankle.
Robinson then suffered a setback through the playoffs and had one other process.
The circumstances created a gap at middle and helped push the Knicks right into a blockbuster deal for Karl-Anthony Cities.
“You’re going to take it step-by-step,” Thibodeau mentioned about Robinson beginning when/if he comes again. “Very first thing is to get him again and see the place he’s. I like the flexibility he provides us. We received a number of video games with our rebounding final yr. We all know he’s elite. Offensive rebounder, in all probability the most effective within the league. Defensive rebounding. Rim safety. Decide and roll protection. These are issues he provides to the staff.”
After a shake-up within the Knicks workers, Darren Erman is transferring to the entrance of the bench alongside Rick Brunson and Andy Greer, The Submit has discovered.
Erman, a former assistant with the Celtics, Warriors and Pelicans, was within the second row final season however is transferring up following the departure of Johnnie Bryant, who joined the Cavaliers workers this summer season to reunite with Donovan Mitchell.
Whereas Bryant held the title of “affiliate head coach” — or lead assistant — a supply mentioned Thibodeau will view Brunson, Greer and Erman equally.
Every staff is allowed three assistants within the entrance bench.
The Knicks additionally employed two new assistants this offseason — Maurice Cheeks and Mark Bryant — making a veteran workers, many with longstanding ties to Thibodeau.
Cheeks carries essentially the most expertise however was additionally reportedly near retiring from full-time teaching earlier than becoming a member of the Knicks.
The opposite Knicks assistants are Cube Yoshimoto, Othella Harrington and Daniel Brady.
Scott King, one other Knicks assistant final season, left in the summertime to grow to be the top coach of the Spurs’ G League staff.
