SUMMARY
- The New York Knicks are actively involved in the trade market, making significant acquisitions such as OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn from the Toronto Raptors.
- Mikal Bridges, in his first season with the Nets, has become the center of trade rumors.
The New York Knicks are quite active in the trade market, as the trade deadline is approaching. The team has already acquired OG Anunoby, Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn from the Toronto Raptors. The Knicks seem to be the buyers this season, as the Mikal Bridges trade rumors are boiling up. The team faced off against the Brooklyn Nets on January 23, 2024.
The Manhatties secured a 108-103 victory over their cross-borough rivals at the Barclays Center. The Knicks are now riding on a four-game winning streak and stand at No. 5 in the Eastern Conference. After this spectacular win, the Knicks’ guard Jalen Brunson and the Nets’ Mikal Bridges were spotted together at Madison Square Garden. The duo were enjoying a game between Villanova and St. John.
Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges at the St Johns game 👀 pic.twitter.com/PbmtkiAWNq
— Big Knick Energy (@BigKnickEnergy_) January 25, 2024
Knicks’ Josh Hart also accompanied the two. It’s worth noting that the trio have been basketball buddies since their NCAA days. While Brunson and Bridges were sitting beside each other, Hart was seated in a different section to witness the Johnnies register a win. This outing has escalated the rumors regarding a potential Bridges trade to the Knicks.
Bridges is in his first season with the Nets, and the player will receive over $48 million over the next two seasons. The question is, after acquiring Donte DiVincenzo, do the Knicks plan to acquire another player from the Villanova NCAA Men’s Basketball Team that prevailed in the 2016 championship?
Will Mikal Bridges be a good addition?
The two teams—the Knicks and the Nets—haven’t made a trade since 1983. On top of that, the Nets found Bridges to be a stable player after the team traded Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. However, on the other hand, the Knicks seem very active on the transactional front as the February 8 NBA 2024 Trade Deadline approaches. Although trading Bridges seems like a pipe dream, there are several ways in which the shooter can benefit the team.
The 27-year-old small forward can impact the game on both ends of the hardwood. Furthermore, the forward is 6-foot-6 in height and has decent shooting accuracy on the perimeter. Not only is he able to provide scoring from multiple positions, he could directly benefit Knick’s offense. If the Knicks find a way to trade him, they stand a chance to become dreadful in terms of defense.
However, there has been no hint from Bridges to know whether he is willing or not. After all, the Nets are tail-spinning and are now riding on a two-game losing streak.