Mikal Bridges likely to wait on a Knicks extension

On the eve of his contract-extension eligibility, Mikal Bridges claimed ambivalence.“I have no clue, man,” Bridges said Monday.“I’m just excited for training camp.”Beginning Tuesday, Bridges becomes eligible for a two-year, $60 million extension tacked on to the remaining two seasons of his deal.

It’s a no-brainer decision to offer the max from the Knicks’ perspective.But money-wise, it makes no sense for Bridges.If he waits until next year to sign, Bridges would be eligible for a standard veteran extension worth as much as $146 million over four years.And if he waits until free agency in 2026, Bridges can sign for approximately $295 million over five years.Jalen Brunson took a big discount this summer in the name of security and maintaining the Knicks’ financial flexibility, opening the door for rumors of his former Villanova teammate doing the same.

But an extension for Bridges this month would be an even bigger discount and commitment from a player who has yet to log one game with the Knicks.ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported recently that “indications are” Bridges “will wait until next year” to sign an extension.The Knicks want Mitchell Robinson feeling 100 percent before he returns from another setback in his recovery from surgery, according to Tom Thibodeau.“We’re going to be patient and take our time with it,” said the coach, who wouldn’t answer if he expects Robinson to return this season.“I don’t want to put any sort of time frame on it.

When he’s ready to go, he’s ready to go.He’s doing well.

I can tell you that with what he’s doing right now.And so, again, we’re just going to go step by step with that.”Despite Thibodeau’s vagueness, a league source said Robinson is expected to play again in December or January.

Still, that timeline is also fluid and subject to Robinson hitting milestones in his recovery.He originally underwent surgery in December to repair a stress fracture in his ankle.Robinson then suff...