The New York Knicks made a significant trade last summer, giving up five first-round picks to acquire Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. This bold move contributed to the team’s success this season, with the Knicks securing 51 wins and the third seed in the Eastern Conference. Bridges became a key performer, contributing an average of 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game while shooting efficiently from the field (50.0%), three-point range (35.4%), and the free-throw line (81.4%).

New York progressed past the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics to reach the conference finals for the first time since 2000. Despite ultimately falling to the Indiana Pacers in six games, the playoff run marked a high point for the franchise. However, the season was not without internal friction.

Public Disapproval of Coaching Decisions Causes Unease

Sources close to the team revealed that Knicks coaches were displeased when Bridges publicly questioned head coach Tom Thibodeau’s strategy of playing starters heavy minutes each night. Bridges’ comments during a media session in March reportedly caused tension between the forward and the coaching staff, exposing a disconnect within the team’s leadership dynamics.

“In March, Bridges violated one of the no-nos in playing for Thibodeau, questioning the heavy minutes the starters played under the coach during a news conference with reporters. The comments rubbed the coaching staff the wrong way, sources said, and showed a disconnect,” —James L. Edwards III and Fred Katz, The Athletic

“Bridges may have been near the end of his first season with the Knicks, but he was still acting like the new guy, though the drama hardly led to anyone’s demise.” —James L. Edwards III and Fred Katz, The Athletic

Bridges, who previously spent parts of his career with the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets, remains a vital asset for New York, with the potential to negotiate a lucrative four-year, $156 million contract extension before next season begins.

Bridges’ Durability and Future Impact with the Knicks

Notably, Bridges has not missed a single game in his NBA career, bringing consistent reliability to the Knicks’ lineup. His career averages stand at 14.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per contest, underscoring his value as a versatile forward. The Knicks’ management now faces decisions about locking down Bridges long-term as they aim to build on the momentum of a promising season.