According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the New York Knicks are acquiring forward Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. It was the first major move of the NBA offseason. This brings Bridges to a roster with familiar faces. Bridges reunites with his former college teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo. They won an NCAA National Championship with Villanova in 2018. They will showcase a chemistry that the Knicks hope will translate to the NBA.
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In exchange for Bridges, the Knicks are sending Bojan Bogdanovic to the Nets. Also the Knicks are trading a substantial number of picks. Four unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027, 2029, 2031), a 2025 protected first-round pick from Milwaukee, a 2028 unprotected pick swap, and a 2025 second-round pick will be traded. The Knicks will also receive a 2026 second-round pick from the Nets as part of the deal. This haul reflects the high value placed on Bridges and the Knicks commitment to bolstering their roster.
This move marks the Knicks first major transaction of the offseason as they look to re-sign key free agents OG Anunoby. They took a blow with Isaiah Hartenstein signing to the Thunder. Both players were crucial to New York’s playoff success. Anunoby signed a huge contract to stay in New York. The acquisition of Bridges may complicate the Knicks championship dreams.
Photo Cred: New York Post
Bridges was selected with the tenth overall pick by his hometown team Philadelphia 76ers. He was traded on draft night to the Phoenix Suns in for Zhaire Smith and a 2021 first-round pick. Bridges joined the Suns for the 2018 NBA Summer League and signed a four-year, $17.6 million rookie-scale contract. His career took another turn on February 9, 2023, when the Suns traded Bridges to the Brooklyn Nets. He helped the Suns reach the Finals in the 2021-2022 season
He was traded for Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected first-round picks, and a 2028 first-round pick swap in exchange for Kevin Durant and T.J. Warren. The Knicks move for Bridges signifies a step forward from the laughing stock they once were. With his defensive prowess, scoring ability, and familiarity with several key Knicks players, Bridges is expected to make an immediate impact. As the offseason progresses, the Knicks will continue to maneuver their roster and cap space to maximize their potential for the upcoming season.
