The New York Knicks face difficult decisions about their roster this season, with the future of Mikal Bridges at the center of growing speculation. After acquiring him in a significant trade last summer, questions are mounting about whether Bridges will remain part of the team‘s long-term plans amid rumors of upcoming trade discussions.
Knicks’ Pattern of Making Quick Moves on Key Players
In recent years, the Knicks have demonstrated a preference for decisive action rather than lengthy deliberation when it comes to player transactions, having traded notable contributors like Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, and even parted ways with coach Tom Thibodeau. Mikal Bridges now appears to be the latest player potentially facing a similar fate, as the team grapples with contract extensions and roster flexibility.
Past Trade Practices Signal Possible Outcome for Bridges
According to CBS Sports, New York often trades players they are reluctant to sign to long-term deals, especially as those players approach free agency. This strategy has been evident in previous trades involving figures such as Julius Randle and Obi Toppin. Brad Botkin highlighted this recurring pattern, suggesting Bridges might soon be dealt to avoid risking losing him without compensation.
“Keep in mind the Knicks have been in this position multiple times over recent years — with a guy they didn’t want to extend at a big number and also didn’t want to get to free agency — and every time they have traded the player in question,”
—Brad Botkin
High Cost of Acquiring Bridges Raises Stakes
The Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets last summer by trading away five first-round draft picks, a hefty price that now intensifies the pressure to justify the investment. While Bridges showed flashes of ability last season, inconsistent shooting and declining defensive efficiency have fueled doubts about his value relative to the cost paid.
The team confronts the challenge of the sunk-cost fallacy as it reassesses Bridges’ role. Although the Knicks cannot recover the draft picks used in the trade, management must decide whether holding onto Bridges is prudent or if moving on would better serve the franchise‘s future ambitions.
The Complexities of Trading a Recently Acquired Player
Trading a player with Bridges’ talent and recent acquisition status involves risks for the Knicks, not only regarding immediate returns but also concerning team dynamics and long-term development. The franchise must carefully weigh these factors while plotting their next steps, mindful of how a trade could affect chemistry and competitive balance.
Implications for Knicks’ Strategy Moving Forward
The decision about Mikal Bridges will have significant repercussions for the Knicks’ direction. Whether they choose to trade him and recoup assets or recommit to him as a core part of the team will reflect on both the player’s standing and the organization’s broader approach to team-building. As trade deadlines approach, the Knicks’ resolution on Bridges’ future will be a critical moment for the franchise.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Mikal Bridges change shot?
A. Mikal Bridges has scored over 40 points in seven different games.
Q. Why did Mikal Bridges change his shot?
A. According to Basketball Reference, Bridges was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023. He then moved to the Knicks in July 2024. By June 2025, he held the top active record for playing the most consecutive NBA games, having never missed a game since being drafted.
Q. Why is Mikal Bridges changing his shot?
A. He has admitted that his shooting form has had problems before. However, it’s clear that the hitch is returning in specific shooting scenarios. “After college, I adjusted it slightly,” he mentioned. “In my second year as a pro, I had the hitch, so I’ve been working to fix it.”
Q. Are Miles Bridges better than Mikal Bridges?
A. Miles leads in basic stats like points, rebounds, and assists. However, Mikal’s efficiency is much higher, and he makes a bigger defensive impact. Mikal’s strengths are more notable than Miles’.