Analysis of the Mikal Bridges Trade: Who Won—the Knicks or the Nets?
It's always an NBA offseason to remember.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the New York Knicks are getting Mikal Bridges and a second-round choice from the Brooklyn Nets on the eve of the 2024 NBA draft in exchange for Bojan Bogdanovic, six first-round selections, and a 2025 second-round selection.
Four of Brooklyn's six first-round selections, which stretch through 2031, are not protected. In a separate agreement with the Houston Rockets, the Nets would be able to keep their selection capital from the James Harden trade in 2025 and 2026 and start over from scratch.
The Knicks are putting more emphasis on their present core, putting themselves front and center in the title race, and getting Bridges back together with his championship-winning Villanova colleagues.
This blockbuster transaction has a lot of moving pieces, but who made the final cut?
Knicks: B+
The Knicks indeed had to forfeit a sizable portion of their draft capital for a player who has never been selected to the All-Star team, but it would be undervaluing Bridges's skills.
Alongside Devin Booker, he helped turn around the Phoenix Suns franchise, developed into one of the league's top wing defenders, and during his 1.5 seasons in Brooklyn, he tested the boundaries of his scoring potential. He'll probably return to an offensively more fitting role in New York, where he can focus on his craft as a 2022 All-Defense player.
Knicks: B+
The Knicks indeed had to forfeit a sizable portion of their draft capital for a player who has never been selected to the All-Star team, but it would be undervaluing Bridges's skills.
Alongside Devin Booker, he helped turn around the Phoenix Suns franchise, developed into one of the league's top wing defenders, and during his 1.5 seasons in Brooklyn, he tested the boundaries of his scoring potential. He'll probably return to an offensively more fitting role in New York, where he can focus on his craft as a 2022 All-Defense player.
One of New York's most successful seasons in this century recently ended. Despite being completely destroyed by injury, they forced the Indiana Pacers to seven games in the East Semi-Finals, and they won 50 games for the first time since 2014. They were entirely healthy when they went 15-2 in January after making a deal for OG Anunoby in the middle of the season. They stood out as one of just four teams with a top-10 offensive and defense at the end of the season.
Assuming they decide to keep Anunoby (who is still reportedly a top priority). With Bridges, Anunoby, Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, and Deuce McBride circling the perimeter, they may make a case for having the greatest defensive wing platoon in the NBA.
In addition, Bridges is among the league's healthiest players. In his six years as a basketball player, he hasn't missed a single game, which makes him a solid backup should the more prone to injuries Anunoby miss time.
However, there are several financial issues with this trade.
In addition, Bridges is among the league's healthiest players. In his six years as a basketball player, he hasn't missed a single game, which makes him a solid backup should the more prone to injuries Anunoby miss time.
However, there are several financial issues with this trade.
They most likely won't be able to compete for Isaiah Hartenstein's skills on the free market, and things will get much more complicated because Julius Randle and Brunson have upcoming contracts.
However, the Knicks should be optimistic that Bridges puts them in the running for their first championship in more than 50 years in a league that has recently been characterized by parity with six different winners in the previous six seasons.
However, the Knicks should be optimistic that Bridges puts them in the running for their first championship in more than 50 years in a league that has recently been characterized by parity with six different winners in the previous six seasons.
That alone makes this cost-effective for New York.
Nets Trade Grade: A
This is Brooklyn's attempt to make up for previous transgressions. enter a new phase and press the reset button while maintaining moral integrity.
With 13 first-round selections remaining until 2029, the Nets have the option to pursue their own strategy and enough draft money to make a strong impression on any potential dissatisfied star on the market.
Nets Trade Grade: A
This is Brooklyn's attempt to make up for previous transgressions. enter a new phase and press the reset button while maintaining moral integrity.
With 13 first-round selections remaining until 2029, the Nets have the option to pursue their own strategy and enough draft money to make a strong impression on any potential dissatisfied star on the market.
Even though Bridges is a valuable player, getting six first-round picks—four of which are unprotected—for a guy who isn't a cornerstone of the team is a very profitable return.
After the dismal Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving period, Brooklyn's disorganized roster caused them to finish mediocre in the Eastern Conference as they stumbled into a directionless future.
Their future is ultimately determined by this exchange. At last, they've decided on a course. It's also one that has a long-term goal in mind.
Who then prevailed? Time will tell.
Most likely, both fan communities are persuading themselves that they left like bandits.
After the dismal Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving period, Brooklyn's disorganized roster caused them to finish mediocre in the Eastern Conference as they stumbled into a directionless future.
Their future is ultimately determined by this exchange. At last, they've decided on a course. It's also one that has a long-term goal in mind.
Who then prevailed? Time will tell.
Most likely, both fan communities are persuading themselves that they left like bandits.
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