Knicks Acquire Mikal Bridges in Blockbuster Trade with Nets
In a surprising move during the NBA offseason, the New York Knicks have agreed to a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets. The Knicks will send Bojan Bogdanovic, along with four unprotected first-round NBA Draft picks for 2025, 2027, 2029, and 2031, a protected 2025 first-rounder via the Milwaukee Bucks, and an unprotected 2028 first-round swap to the Nets in exchange for rising star Mikal Bridges and a 2026 second-round pick, as reported by ESPN on Tuesday.
This significant trade marks the first major deal of the offseason and signals the Knicks’ ambition to strengthen their roster following their advancement to the Eastern Conference semifinals last season. The addition of Bridges, known for his defensive prowess and consistent scoring, could provide the Knicks with the edge they need to become serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Bojan Bogdanovic, who was acquired by the Knicks from the Detroit Pistons in February, was initially expected to enhance the team’s spacing and scoring capabilities. However, his performance fell short of expectations. Averaging a career-low 19.2 minutes per game, Bogdanovic contributed 10.4 points per contest, including 1.6 three-pointers per game at a 37 percent shooting rate. He appeared in just four postseason games for the Knicks.
The Nets, on the other hand, acquire a seasoned shooter in Bogdanovic and a wealth of future draft assets, positioning themselves for a potential rebuild or future trades.
This trade not only reshapes the dynamics within the NBA but also sparks excitement among basketball fans globally, including the vast NBA fan base in Asia. The implications of this deal will be closely watched by international audiences eager to see how these changes will influence the upcoming season.
Reference(s):
Knicks send four unprotected picks to Nets for Mikal Bridges
cgtn.com
