Knicks' massive Mikal Bridges trade splits NBA fans

06/25/2024 11:23 PM

The first major domino of the 2024 offseason has finally fallen: the Brooklyn Nets have finally bitten the bullet and traded away Mikal Bridges, and to the New York Knicks, no less. After rumors swirled regarding the Nets’ view of Bridges as a foundational piece, it was not quite clear if the team was going to trade him away this offseason, but the Knicks’ offer was too good to pass up on.

For starters, the Nets received a total of five first-round picks from the Knicks — an incredible haul for a player who never made an All-Star or All-NBA team. The Knicks also gave up an unprotected pick swap and a second-round pick, which sends their total of outgoing draft picks to seven.

Mikal Bridges shouldn’t be difficult to fit around the Knicks’ impressive core, especially when he’s now set to team up with his teammates back in Villanova in Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo. Bridges is also a playoff-viable piece who should serve as OG Anunoby insurance, giving the Knicks another two-way wing who can create a little bit of offense off the dribble. However, some fans on Twitter (X) do not believe that this is as big of a home run play as some are making it out to be.

“5 FIRST ROUND PICKS FOR MIKAL BRIDGES IS INSANE.” – @30problemz

“That's a hell of an overpay for a guy who asked to go to NY, but Knicks gotta win eventually to make this worth it. I like it on the court, just concerned for them giving up those late firsts in the future.” – @PistonsNext

“Lmfao that is an enormous overpay. Knicks will be very good, I guess we'll see if they're good enough to get past the Celtics.” – @jacksonbyrne_

“Knicks have a gobert type overpay .” – @LandOfMagic77

Fans are split; some believe that the Knicks did what they had to do and pay the price to get their man, while some believe that the Nets have just committed grand larceny. But if the Knicks manage to retain Anunoby, a core of him, Bridges, Brunson, Hart, DiVincenzo, and Julius Randle could be enough to make them the new powerhouse of the Eastern Conference.

“That's a serious overpay for Bridges, but if they can re-sign OG, the Knicks are championship contenders. Can't believe I just typed those words.” – @ThatPersianGuy

“bro the Knicks better win a championship there's no other way you justify trading 6 firsts for Mikal Bridges.” – @EpicNormie_

“Definitely an overpay but the window for the Knicks is open right now so I understand. If it results in a championship then it's all worth it.” – @j_hil3

The Knicks have assembled some high-quality depth… but will it be enough to win a title?

The Knicks are stacked up and down the roster regardless of how one slices it; they are still in the driver’s seat to keep OG Anunoby in town, and they should be willing to keep him considering how much they gave up to acquire his services. They could also retain Isaiah Hartenstein, but that would mean shedding salary elsewhere. The likes of Precious Achiuwa, Alec Burks, and, perhaps most importantly, Mitchell Robinson, will most likely be gone.

But still, a core of Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, Anunoby, DiVincenzo, Hartenstein, and Miles McBride should be more than enough for the Knicks to make some noise in the Eastern Conference.

Brunson has proven that he is a playoff riser, giving the Knicks a legitimate superstar that has given them confidence to go all-in on Bridges. Moreover, the Knicks nearly made it to the Conference Finals for the first time since 2000 even if Randle was out due to injury. Imagine how much easier Brunson’s life would have been had Randle been around to share offensive creation duties.

The Knicks, in this scenario, should have two lockdown perimeters defenders in Anunoby and Bridges; those two are some of the premier two-way wings in the association, allowing them to match up well with the reigning champion Boston Celtics. They have shooters at nearly every position, while they have relentless hustle guys in Hart and Hartenstein — two players who made the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers’ life on the glass miserable.

The bill will come due for the Knicks soon. Brunson will be up for an extension, as he’s basically entering the final year of his deal, while the same goes for Randle. (Both have player options for the 2025-26 season that they’re very likely to decline.)

But in the NBA, as a great general manager once said, scared money don’t make none. The Knicks have positioned themselves as a legitimate championship contender, and now, all they’ll be hoping for is a clean bill of health for next season.

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