The Knicks lastly pulled the set off on a blockbuster commerce by swapping out 5 first-round picks for Mikal Bridges on Tuesday evening.
It was the shocker of the summer season (at the least up to now), the primary commerce negotiated by the Knicks and Nets since Len Elmore went from New Jersey to New York in 1983.
The Submit’s Stefan Bondy solutions 5 vital questions in regards to the deal:
Q: Why did the Knicks do that?
A: First, Mikal Bridges is the kind of plug-and-play wing that each group covets.
He upgrades the protection, helps masks Jalen Brunson’s defensive deficiencies on the perimeter and provides depth to a rotation that ran out of wholesome our bodies within the playoffs.
Bridges is a minutes-eater.
And the Knicks wanted a minutes-eater to get via a season after their three finest gamers — Brunson, Julius Randle, OG Anunoby — all underwent surgical procedure.
They’re combating an uphill arms race towards the Celtics.
Simply as vital, it appears, is that the Knicks found the ability of chemistry via school friendships they usually’re leaning into it.
Maybe it will even assist push Brunson to signal his extension this summer season.
Q: What does this imply for OG Anunoby?
A: I nonetheless anticipate the Knicks to re-sign him.
They personal his Hen Rights and may exceed the cap to re-sign him, even going as excessive as a max deal if obligatory (although I don’t suppose it will likely be).
Bear in mind, the Knicks sacrificed lots to get Anunoby (RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley) in order that they don’t need to lose him for nothing.
He’s additionally a flexible defender — able to guarding 1 through 5 — so the addition of Bridges received’t push Anunoby out of the lineup.
Q: Is that this too excessive a value?
A: In all probability. However it’s the price of going for it.
Bridges, whereas a borderline All-Star, confirmed he’s most likely finest because the No. 3 on a group like he was in Phoenix.
He’ll recreate that function in New York behind Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
He’s additionally extraordinarily sturdy, and availability is one thing value paying for in right this moment’s NBA.
After I say he by no means misses a sport, it’s not an exaggeration.
His consecutive video games performed streak is spectacular within the load administration period.
Plus, his contract is team-friendly and tradeable if obligatory.
Nonetheless, the Knicks go away themselves open to criticism in the event that they’re now unable to afford a greater star if or when he turns into out there.
Q: Who’s taken out of the beginning lineup for Bridges?
A: Assuming Anunoby and Randle return, the logical transfer is for Donte DiVincenzo to maneuver again to the bench.
That’s the place he began final season, though he was a lot better as a starter.
We have now to attend and see what different strikes are made earlier than the season begins, however, simply based mostly on what occurred Tuesday, DiVincenzo will see decreased minutes and alternatives.
Q: Severely, does this imply Jay Wright?
A: That may be the second Villanova shocker this summer season, and that may be much more surprising than Mikal Bridges leaping over the river.
Tom Thibodeau is anticipated to return however we hold ready for information about his extension.
Maybe the Knicks had been prioritizing this large commerce first. I’m positive Wright is an amazing coach.
However it might be foolish to take away Thibodeau from this group.
