The New York Knicks made a splash on Wednesday morning (Manila time) as they went all out to acquire Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the deal:

Bridges is done in Brooklyn after just 1.5 seasons. He regressed after a promising arrival during the second half of 2022-23. The Nets finished 32-50 this past season, four games out of a play-in spot, with the supposed future star only having 19.6 PPG on 43.2% shooting – this was after he had 26.1 PPG in ‘22-23.

The Nets once again obliged to one of their top players’ trade requests, but it’s obvious that the plan now is to collect as many draft picks as possible. Following the deals for Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Bridges, Brooklyn has gathered 16 first-round picks through 2031. 

Considering how the Nets were probably backed into a corner and also decided to ‘tank,’ it begs the question if the Knicks overpaid. They were the preferred destination, had no competition, and still gave up four unprotected first-rounders.

It should be noted, however, that the Knicks want to win now, and bringing someone like Bridges can be a big boost. He’s a long-armed forward with an improved offensive game to complement his good defense, and he has played in 474-straight games. Those Tom Thibodeau’s types to a tee.

Also, it may have been to appease their other guys, who have a close relationship with the former Net. With the acquisition, the Knicks now have four players from the Villanova Wildcats’ NCAA National Championship-winning teams from 2016 and 2018: Bridges will be joining college teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo.

The trade could also be an insurance move as OG Anunoby declined his $19.9 million player option for next season and will enter free agency. The potential loss is crucial as the 26-year-old played an integral part in the Knicks’ strong 2023-24 campaign. He joined via trade in December 2023, and averaged 14.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game in 23 regular season games as a Knick, with the team going a superb 20-3 in those appearances. It continued in the playoffs as he put up 16.4 points, 6.8 boards, 1.0 steal, and 1.1 blocks before getting hurt.

Hope is still not lost, however, as the Knicks are still intending to bring Anunoby back. There’s an increased value in being loaded with versatile wings, and Anunoby, Hart, and Bridges are believed to be potential counters to what the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics have. They may have to say goodbye to another fan favorite, Isaiah Hartenstein, but who knows? Maybe the NY front office can find a way to keep both.

In any case, the trade is exciting news for the Knicks’ ‘Nova guys and all Knick fans. The team is coming off an inspiring season, and this reunion can very well further the team’s energy. They can only imagine how good the vibe can be for 2024-25.