The extension might not have happened if the Knicks believed they had a serious shot to land an elite player in a trade this summer.

Mikal Bridges agreed to a four-year, $150 million extension with the New York Knicks on Thursday, per multiple reports. The Knicks gave up five first-round picks to acquire Bridges last June and he rewarded them by taking less than he could have earned to lock in to a future with former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.