Deuce McBride ‘a little disappointed’ as Knicks extension talks stall

New York Knicks guard Miles “Deuce” McBride is entering the final season of his three-year, $13 million contract, which pays him about $4 million for the 2026-27 season. He would become an unrestricted free agent next summer if no deal is reached, and McBride has said he’s disappointed an extension hasn’t been finalized yet. “I’m a little disappointed,” he said, adding that he wants to stay in New York and would like the sides to reach an agreement.

According to Bleacher Report, the 26-year-old has spent his entire NBA career with the Knicks, who picked him 36th in the 2021 draft after a standout run at West Virginia. Last season he was injured — dealing with an ankle sprain and a core-muscle issue — and played only 41 games, yet still posted a career-high 12.0 points per game, shooting 41.3% from three and averaging 26.3 minutes per game, sixth on the team in playing time. He said he has improved every season and has used opportunities when teammates were out to prove his abilities.

A possible explanation for the delay came from Lee Escobedo of the Knick of Time Show, who explains that a veteran extension could trigger a six-month trade restriction if it spans four total seasons, if the first-year salary increase exceeds 20%, or if later raises exceed 5%. For a player expected to make about $3.9 million, such an offer would trigger all three rules, and an August signing would push the six-month window past the February trade deadline, making the extension and a potential trade practically incompatible.

As the sides continue negotiating, McBride is expected to again play a significant role off the bench for the Knicks; the team opens the season Oct. 20 at home against the Philadelphia 76ers, according to Bleacher Report.