Multiple media outlets reported that the New York Knicks and Mikal Bridges have reached a four-year, $150 million contract extension.

The defensive leader and stable scorer chose to forgo a potential higher offer, willing to continue to team up with former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, and leave the team with flexibility in lineup adjustments.

The New York Knicks traded five first-round draft picks to the Brooklyn Nets last summer for Bridges, and the deal quickly paid off. His steady performance, averaging 17.6 points per game and his consistent physical presence in every game, earned him valuable trust from the team.

Especially in the crucial playoff game against the Boston Celtics, Bridges made several key defensive plays to help the New York Knicks advance to their first Eastern Conference Finals since 2000.

According to statistics, since entering the NBA as a first-round pick in 2018, Bridges has participated in 556 consecutive games and has never missed a season. He is a true "Iron Man" in the league.

During his career, Bridges helped the Phoenix Suns reach the 2021 Finals and was runner-up in the NBA Defensive Player of the Year selection the following year.

When he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in mid-season in 2023, Bridges averaged 26.1 points per game in the final stages of the season, showcasing his impressive offensive prowess. After joining the New York Knicks, he transitioned into a stable scoring role, joining Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns as a core player.