The New York Knicks have come under intense scrutiny for trading five first-round draft picks to acquire Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. This move, aimed at bolstering their roster for a championship run, took place ahead of the current NBA season and was seen as a bold gamble to strengthen the team’s chances.
Despite making a deep playoff run to the Eastern Conference Finals with Bridges, the Knicks still fell short of winning the NBA Finals, reigniting questions about the wisdom of the trade.
Trade Evaluation: Review and Performance of Bridges With Knicks
One year after the trade, Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes assessed the deal, handing the Knicks a grade of D-. Hughes pointed out that although New York viewed Bridges as a key component, most teams saw him simply as a high-level “three-and-D” player. His contract carried two years and $48.2 million remaining at the time.
The Knicks clearly viewed Bridges as a missing piece, though most of the league probably felt similarly about such a scaleable three-and-D player with just two years and $48.2 million left on the extension he signed in 2022. New York’s willingness to part with such a shocking number of first-round picks for a non-star set it apart — and it also resulted in a deal that is now the standard against which others are measured,
Hughes wrote.
Hughes also noted Bridges’ on-court production for the Knicks was adequate but not outstanding compared to his previous years with Brooklyn and Phoenix.
Bridges was mostly fine for the Knicks last year, though his scoring average and three-point accuracy (17.6 points and 35.4 percent, respectively) fell short of where they were in Brooklyn and his later years in Phoenix.
Future Outlook: Impact of Bridges’ Contract and Potential Consequences
The trade’s success largely depends on whether Bridges re-signs with the Knicks on a favorable contract. Hughes suggested that the deal’s perception could improve if Bridges agrees to a below-market extension worth roughly $156.5 million over four years. However, if Bridges opts for a maximum contract during the 2026 free agency or if the Knicks feel compelled to trade him to avoid a costly salary, the trade’s grade could deteriorate further.
If Bridges re-ups on a below-market extension worth just $156.5 million over four years, this deal will look better. But if he winds up holding out for a max worth much more than that in 2026 free agency, or if the the Knicks determine they have to trade him this season to avoid that possibility, this grade could slip even lower.
Long-Term Risks and the Road Ahead for the Knicks
By giving up an unprecedented number of first-round picks for a player not projected to be the team’s best or second-best, the Knicks have placed significant risks on their future championship aspirations. If Bridges remains with the team for fewer than two full seasons, the trade could be seen as a missed opportunity or, more bluntly, a serious setback.
Such a scenario would force New York to rethink its rebuilding process and could delay the franchise’s goal of competing at the highest level.
Significance and Potential Impact of This Controversial Trade
The Mikal Bridges Knicks trade stands as a defining moment for the franchise’s trajectory. It highlights the tension between immediate aspirations and future planning, underlining how one move can shape years of team composition and success. With key figures like analyst Grant Hughes and the broader NBA community watching closely, the Knicks’ gamble will be analyzed for seasons to come as they continue their pursuit of an elusive championship.