The Brooklyn Nets have made a significant trade, sending Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks in exchange for Bojan Bogdanovic and a substantial collection of draft picks.
Trade Details
According to ESPN’s renowned reporter Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks offered an extensive package to acquire Bridges. The deal includes four unprotected first-round picks (2025, 2027, 2029, 2031), a protected 2025 first-round pick originally belonging to the Milwaukee Bucks, an unprotected 2028 first-round pick swap, and a 2026 second-round pick. In addition, the Knicks traded veteran sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanovic.
Mikal Bridges: The Ironman
Mikal Bridges, known for his ironman streak, was initially drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018 before being traded to the Phoenix Suns. He later joined the Nets as part of the Kevin Durant trade. Bridges has played in all 474 regular-season games and 39 playoff games since the start of his career. Last season, he averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, making him a valuable 3-and-D player.
Bridges’ Career Stats:
| Season | Team | Games Played | Points Per Game | Rebounds Per Game | Assists Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-2022 | Phoenix Suns | 309 | 13.1 | 4.1 | 2.3 |
| 2022-2023 | Brooklyn Nets | 82 | 19.6 | 4.5 | 3.6 |
Villanova University Connection
An interesting aspect of this trade is the reunion of Bridges with his former Villanova University teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte Divincenzo on the Knicks. This Villanova connection is expected to bring strong chemistry and a winning mentality to the team.
Draft Picks Acquired by Nets:
| Year | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | First-Round | Unprotected |
| 2025 | First-Round | Protected (Originally Bucks’ pick) |
| 2026 | Second-Round | Unprotected |
| 2027 | First-Round | Unprotected |
| 2028 | Swap Rights | Unprotected |
| 2029 | First-Round | Unprotected |
| 2031 | First-Round | Unprotected |
Impact on Both Teams
For the Knicks:
Acquiring Mikal Bridges enhances the Knicks’ defensive and offensive capabilities. His versatility as a wing player and his proven durability make him an asset for the team’s playoff aspirations.
For the Nets:
The Nets gain significant future assets with multiple draft picks, giving them flexibility for rebuilding or making future trades. Bojan Bogdanovic adds veteran presence and shooting prowess to the team.
This trade marks a pivotal moment for both franchises as they look to build for the future while strengthening their current rosters.(747Live)
