Mikal Bridges Gets $90 Million Extension From Suns

Mikal Bridges got his wish. After weeks of waiting and wondering if he would get the rookie extension he so desired from the Phoenix Suns, it all came together on Sunday, just over 24 hours before the deadline for teams to get the 2018 draft class signed to new deals, or let them become restricted free agents. 

The Suns have signed Mikal Bridges to a four-year, $90M extension, per @wojespn.https://t.co/E6TelSSZr3

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 17, 2021

Bridges' extension will run 4 years, and is worth $90 million dollars, fully guaranteed. 

Late last week, Bridges' revealed how anxious he was about the impending deadline, and stated there was nowhere else he wanted to be. 

Bridges exploded into a core piece for the Suns last season. He averaged career highs in points (13.5), rebounds (4.3) and three-point shooting (42.5%), and was a key two-way force in their surprising run to the NBA Finals.

The extension kicks in after this season, and will pay him an average of $22 million a year. 

Bridges' agents told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, "Wherever he has gone, he has won. It's no accident. He is the player who buys into a culture as well as sets a culture."

That's been borne out by two NCAA Titles at Villanova, and an NBA Finals appearance in only his 3rd season. And now, a big win at the bargaining table.

Center Deandre Ayton, another crucial piece to the Suns' success, is also facing Monday's extension deadline.

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports