The Knicks and Mikal Bridges have yet to agree to an extension. There’s a chance that’s due to more than simple accounting logistics, according to SNY’s Ian Begley (video link).
While it’s likely not the only factor, Begley believes that the lingering uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s status regarding his tenure with the Bucks may be playing a part in the lack of movement on a deal.
“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 on an episode of The Putback. “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’ potential interest in the two-time MVP has been well documented. While the off-season noise surrounding Antetokounmpo has quieted since the acquisition of Myles Turner and the departure of Damian Lillard, the matter might not be closed yet.
We have more from around the Atlantic division:
- Nets Daily writes (via Twitter) that according to the general manager of the Qingdao Eagles, Yang Hansen had a promise from the Nets if he fell to no. 19 in the 2025 draft. Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan tweets that the Trail Blazers were unwilling to trade further down than no. 16 due to Hansen’s stock rising in the lead-up to the draft. The Blazers ultimately traded from no. 11 to no. 16 to select the former Eagles center.
- The Knicks ended their Summer League with a 1-3 record and a mixed bag of performances, even from their rostered players, writes James L. Edwards III of The Athletic. Tyler Kolek shook off a brutal start to display some self-creation flashes, but overall was too loose with the ball for someone billed as a floor general. Pacome Dadiet and Kevin McCullar‘s shooting struggles continued, but both were effective getting to the rim. The standout on the team was the team’s second-round draft pick, Mohamed Diawara, who showed an interesting set of ball skills and physical tools and may have played his way into conversations surrounding a two-way contract.
- The recent Joel Embiid article from ESPN revealed the lack of trust Embiid has in the Sixers organization when it comes to his health, writes The Inquirer’s Keith Pompey, who also took the article as a sign that regardless of what the team wants, he will only return from his injury rehab when he’s ready. Pompey adds that the article brought back impressions of the team’s culture and lack of top-down cohesiveness under Sam Hinkie, and that for Daryl Morey and the organization to restore the faith of fans, only winning will help.
Oh! Joel. Everyone else is the problem, aren’t they? SMGDH!!
Embiid is a loser, always has been. I sincerely hope the young guys just play around him. What a poor role model in your locker room and on the court.
Should be fairly obvious who didn’t read the article.
The Philadelphia article is pay-walled and the espn article isn’t linked at all. So I didn’t read either of them.
Yet you put in time and effort to respond.
Total smokescreen BS. Knicks gave up 5 1st round picks to bring in one of Brunson’s best friends. Brunson delayed his own mega payday so the knicks would have room to max out Bridges. Knicks know they can’t do that under new CBA, it would be a massive overpay, But Bridges has all the leverage because of how much they gave up for him. The lack of extension has nothing to do with Giannis. He is a Buck next year, 99.9% certainty.
Embiid is such a crybaby soft flopper. Maybe play better and you won’t get injured or injure other players when you flop on them. Negative value player imo.
I know Dolan would love Giannis.
He is the one who blew everything up for Mello. One of worst trades ever. But I like Giannis.
To me if Bucks were going to move him. They would have done it at draft to Spurs or Rockets. Both could have offered great deals for Bucks to redo team. I still think Spurs can offer best deal. So all this is noise, fake news. Bridges situation can wait till later. There is no rush. Bridges has to level up this year. He is better than what he showed last year. Has to be more selfish. Mike has to start with him. In order to make Knicks a better team. Mikal we need 22 a gm minimum bro …….
“The Knicks ended their Summer League with a 1-3 record and a mixed bag of performances”
Summer League is not over yet. NY are playing Washington tonight, which will be the 5th and final game for both teams.