Knicks land Mikal Bridges in massive exchange of picks

The New York Knicks are splashing out to snag one of the hottest stars on the 2024 trade market.

In a jaw-dropping move, the Knicks secured Nets sensation Mikal Bridges in a mega-deal featuring Bojan Bogdanovic and a mountain of first-round picks.

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Since his arrival in Brooklyn as part of the Kevin Durant trade in 2022-23, Bridges has been lighting it up. Over 109 games with the Nets, he’s averaged 21.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, shooting an impressive 44.7 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from beyond the arc. This marks a significant leap from his stint with the Suns, where he averaged 12.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.

Trade Details

Here’s the scoop on the trade specifics:

Knicks Receive:

  • Mikal Bridges
  • Unprotected pick swap

Nets Receive:

  • Bojan Bogdanovic
  • Four unprotected first-round picks
  • Bucks protected first-round pick
  • Second-round pick
  • Unprotected pick swap

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks have given up at least five first-round picks, a second-round pick, and Bogdanovic to land Bridges. The two teams also exchanged an unprotected pick swap, though the exact picks haven’t been detailed yet.

Bridges joins a Knicks squad that already boasts his former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart. The trio, along with Bridges, were key players on Villanova’s 2017-18 national championship-winning team.

The Knicks had recently picked up Bogdanovic at the 2024 NBA trade deadline, acquiring him and Alec Burks from the Pistons in a deal involving Quentin Grimes, Malachi Flynn, Evan Fournier, Ryan Arcidiacono, and a couple of second-round picks.

During his short stint with the Knicks, Bogdanovic didn’t start a game but managed to average 10.4 points and 2.0 rebounds in 19.2 minutes off the bench. In the playoffs, he appeared in four games, averaging 6 points and 3 rebounds in 12.8 minutes per game.

 

Updated Knicks depth chart

Starter 2nd
PG Jalen Brunson Miles McBride
SG Donte DiVincenzo
SF Mikal Bridges Josh Hart
PF Julius Randle Taj Gibson
C Mitchell Robinson Jericho Sims (team option)

 

Mikal Bridges contract details

Mikal Bridges inked a rookie extension back in October 2021, locking him into a four-year, $90.9 million deal. Fast forward, and he’s got two years left on that contract.

Those remaining two years come with a hefty price tag for the Knicks, as they are the priciest years of his contract. Bridges will be raking in over $23 million per year, making him a significant investment for New York.

While the financial commitment is substantial, the Knicks are banking on Bridges’ talent and star power to elevate their game. With his proven track record and solid stats, he’s expected to be a key player in their quest for success.

So, Knicks fans, get ready to see if Bridges can deliver on his lucrative deal and help take the team to new heights!

Year Age Cap Hit Cap%
2024-25 28 $23.3 million 16.52%
2025-26 29 $24.9 million 16.05%