Kofi Inkoom
The Brooklyn Nets have reached a tentative agreement to trade Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks in exchange for Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick via the Bucks, an unprotected pick swap, and a second-round pick, reports ESPNs Adrian Wojnarowski,
According to sources, Mikal Bridges requested the trade to the Knicks last week. In the 2023-24 season, Mikal Bridges averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.4 blocks, shooting 43.6% from the field, 37.2% from three-point range, and 81.4% from the free-throw line. He is set to earn $23.3 million next season.
Known as one of the top two-way players in the NBA, Bridges has career averages of 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.6 blocks with stints at the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets. He was drafted 10th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Bridges moved to the Nets as part of the major trade involving Kevin Durant in February 2023, where he averaged 21.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.
In the recent playoffs, the Knicks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in seven games, while the Nets did not qualify.
With an OG Anunoby (assuming he re-signs), Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart trio, the Knicks boast formidable defensive strength on the wings as they aim for championship status next season.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn is shifting into a rebuild phase and will likely focus on developing Cam Thomas. Playoff contention for the Nets seems distant for the foreseeable future.