Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges, previously with the Phoenix Suns, has been traded to the New York Knicks, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Knicks’ deal includes four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-rounder from the Milwaukee Bucks, a pick swap, and a second-round pick. Considering that Bridges was part of Brooklyn’s acquisition from the Suns for Kevin Durant, the Nets have now accumulated nine first-round picks, five second-round picks, two pick swaps, and Cam Johnson in exchange for Durant. Bridges will join a Knicks team expected to compete with the Boston Celtics for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. He will reunite with former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart. However, the Knicks still need to address the status of key free agents like OG Anunoby and Josh Hartenstein.
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, Bridges expressed his desire to join the Knicks and indicated he would not sign a new contract with any other team. Despite this, Bridges has denied the report. He has two years remaining on his contract and is eligible for an extension this summer. In his two seasons with the Nets, Bridges averaged 21.2 points, stepping up as a primary offensive option—a role he will shift from when joining the Knicks.