"Knicks dodging max contracts like Neo dodging bullets" - NBA fans praise Knicks for salary cap friendly deals

Fans react to New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges, who's reportedly expected to take a pay cut. Bridges is entering the final year of the four-year, $90 million extension he signed with the Phoenix Suns in the 2025-26 NBA season. He's eligible to sign a new contract extension on October 1st for three years and up to $120 million.

The Knicks and Jalen Brunson agreed on a deal that will keep their star point guard with the team through 2029 after he signed a four-year, $156.6 million contract extension. Brunson took a $113 pay cut that gives the team flexibility to sign other players, presumably, including his former Villanova teammate and newest Knick.

NBA Insider Marc Stein reported that Bridges could be next to make a team-friendly deal.

"League sources say that the expectation now, furthermore, is that Bridges is likely to follow Brunson's lead and sign a team-friendly deal of his own when it's his turn to negotiate an extension (he's eligible for a shorter and less attractive deal as soon as Oct. 1 or a four-year extension if he waits until after the season) that cements himself at MSG alongside his fellow former Villanova teammates Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo," Stein reported.

Fans were surprised to see the news and shared their thoughts.

"The Knicks dodging max contracts like Neo dodging bullets," one fan referenced.

"Knicks roster is a whole W," another fan said.

"The power of friendship," one fan shared.

Other fans think the team still won't be good even if they stay together.

"These guys r giving up generational wealth to be a first round exit," one fan shared.

"Everybody on their team losing money to not win 💩," another fan said.

"Everyone taking a paycut to play with friends," one fan shared.

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Former New York Knicks guard could return to the team

The "Nova Knicks" started reuniting after Brunson arrived in New York. The team now has four former Villanova teammates and could add a fifth. Searching for a decent backup point guard, Ryan Arcidiacono could be a player on their radar.

Arcidiacono played at Villanova from 2015 to 2018 logging minutes alongside Brunson, Bridges, Hart, and DiVincenzo. According to Tim Bontemps, the former Knick has missed playing with his college teammates. A return could be inevitable now that the front office has a clear plan for the new-look team.

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