ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 06: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after their 114-113
The NBA offseason never disappoints.
The Knicks are doubling down on their current core, thrusting themselves into the championship conversation and reuniting Bridges with his championship Villanova teammates.
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 11: Eric Paschall #4, Jalen Brunson #1, Josh Hart #3 and Mikal Bridges #25 of
There are many moving parts in this blockbuster trade, but who won the deal?
Knicks Grade: B+
Admittedly, the Knicks gave up a significant amount of draft capital for a player who has never made the All-Star team — but that would be selling Bridges’s capabilities short.
He helped turn around the Phoenix Suns franchise alongside Devin Booker, became one of the best wing defenders in the league while at it, and in his 1.5 seasons in Brooklyn, explored the limits of his offensive ceiling. In New York, he’ll likely slide back into a role more suited for him offensively, allowing the 2022 All-Defense member to hone in on that side of the ball.
New York just finished one of their most successful seasons this century. They won 50 games for the first time since 2014 and despite being decimated by injuries, forced the Indiana Pacers to 7 games in the East Semi-Finals. When they traded for OG Anunoby mid-season, they proceeded to go 15-2 in January, fully healthy. They finished the year as one of only four teams to boast a top 10 offense and defense.
If they do retain Anunoby (which according to reports remains a priority) — they will have an argument for the best defensive wing platoon in the NBA with Bridges, Anunoby, Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, and Deuce McBride patrolling the perimeter.
By the way, Bridges is one of the healthiest players in the league. He hasn’t missed a single game of basketball in his 6-year career, making him a reliable insurance policy should the more injury-prone Anunoby miss time.
This trade doesn’t come without questions, though — financial ones.
They likely will not be able to compete for the talents of Isaiah Hartenstein on the open market and the looming extensions for both Brunson and Julius Randle will only further complicate things.
But in a league that has been defined by parity as of late — 6 different champions in the last 6 seasons — the Knicks should feel confident that Bridges puts them in contention to win their first title in over 50 years.
That, in itself, makes this price tag worth it for New York.
Nets Grade Trade: A
For Brooklyn — this is an attempt to undo the mistakes of the past. To hit the reset button with a clear conscience and move into a different phase all together.
The Nets now have 13 first-round picks between now and 2029 — enough draft capital to thrust themselves into the conversation for any prospective disgruntled star on the market and the flexibility to choose their path.
While Bridges is a worthwhile player, acquiring 6 first-round picks, 4 of which are unprotected is an unbelievably successful return for a player who isn’t a franchise cornerstone.
Following the disappointing Kevin Durant-James Harden-Kyrie Irving era, Brooklyn sputtered into a visionless direction with a mishmash roster that left them middling in the Eastern Conference.
This trade ultimately determines their path. They have finally chosen a route. And it’s one with a long-term vision in mind.
So who won? Only time will tell.
The likely scenario is that both fanbases are telling themselves they got out like thieves.
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