The NBA’s Six-Month Rule That’s Delaying Mikal Bridges Extension

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The NBA’s “Six-Month Rule” refers to a provision in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that impacts when teams can offer contract extensions to players who have been traded. This rule states that any player traded must wait six months before being eligible to sign a contract extension with their new team. The rule is designed to prevent teams from trading for players with the sole purpose of immediately locking them into long-term deals, ensuring fairness and competitive balance across the league.

In the case of Mikal Bridges, who was traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the deal involving Kevin Durant in February 2023, this rule is now a key factor in delaying any potential extension talks. While the Nets would likely want to secure Bridges long-term after his breakout performances and continued improvement, they are bound by the NBA’s six-month window, preventing them from immediately extending his contract after the trade.

For Brooklyn, the delay could be frustrating, especially considering Bridges’ increasing value. He has emerged as a pivotal piece in their roster, displaying his skills as a two-way player and showing growth as an offensive threat. However, they will need to wait for the six-month period to elapse before formally offering an extension to keep him long-term.

The rule also benefits players by giving them more leverage and time to evaluate their situation with a new team before committing to an extension. This ensures that players aren’t pressured into immediate long-term deals after being traded, giving them the opportunity to settle into a new environment and weigh their options.