Recently, it was announced that the New York Knicks are extending Mikal Bridges to a four-year $150 million contract. Earlier this offseason, the Minnesota Timberwolves extended Julius Randle to a three-year $100 million contract. This was always great value for Randle, who is an All-NBA caliber player. However, after Bridges’ extension, Randle’s contract looks like an absolute steal.
BREAKING: New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges has agreed to a four-year, $150 million contract extension with the franchise, agents Sam Goldfeder and Jordan Gertler of Excel Sports Management tell ESPN. The new deal includes a player option for 2029-30 and a trade kicker. pic.twitter.com/xuiYvzykqJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 31, 2025
Bridges' contract isn't a bad deal for the Knicks
Let’s make this clear: this isn’t a terrible deal for the Knicks, and Bridges actually took $6 million less than he could have. After trading five first-round picks (and a pick swap) to land Bridges last offseason, they essentially had to pay him. Bridges alongside OG Anunoby are a crucial part of the Knicks’ defense, especially given the defensive deficiencies of their stars. In the modern NBA, this isn’t terrible value for an elite complementary option.
The leverage of these situations has to be noted. If Randle were to test free agency this summer, when not many teams would have had cap space to pay him, it would give the Wolves significant leverage. Whereas, Bridges could have become a free agent in 2026, when more teams will have cap space, increasing the likelihood that the Knicks could lose Bridges. As a result, the Knicks had to re-sign Bridges to a hefty contract to ensure he didn’t, especially considering the capital they gave up for him last offseason.
Randle's contract is absurd value
Nevertheless, the Wolves are paying their second option $4.2 million annually less than the Knicks are paying their third or fourth option. Randle is a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA player, whereas Bridges has never made an All-Star team. In the playoffs, Randle proved his value as a high-level second option, averaging 21.7 points. Randle’s abilities as a secondary shot creator next to Anthony Edwards are vital. In the modern NBA, having a player this talented making less than $35 million a year is incredible value.
Bridges’ defense, shot creation, and floor spacing are certainly valuable to the Knicks. Regardless, there’s no denying Randle is a better player and more important to his team. Having Randle on this contract will benefit the Wolves significantly moving forward. Jaden McDaniels’ five-year $131 million contract also looks like a steal when compared to Bridges’ extension. Notably, both players provide similar value with nearly identical roles, and McDaniels is four years younger.
Ultimately, after Bridges’ extension, Wolves fans should be even more delighted by Randle’s and McDaniels’ contracts.