The Knicks may have invested heavily in acquiring Mikal Bridges, but by most accounts, it was a strategic move that enhanced their defensive efficiency and added another high-octane scorer to support Jalen Brunson.
Bridges’ Impact on the Knicks and Contract Value
Bridges isn’t just an ordinary addition. He comes with a very affordable contract and two more years left of control before he hits the open market. The Knicks may look to extend him on a long-term deal before he ever gets an opportunity to test the interest of other teams.
He has a $23.3 million cap hit this upcoming season and a $24.9 million hit for the 2025–26 campaign. In other words, he’s making well below his market value, and the Knicks know they’re getting a former Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Forming a Dynamic Duo
Bridges and OG Anunoby will give the Knicks one of the best duos at the position in basketball. Last season, Bridges averaged 19.6 points, 3.6 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and shot .436 from the field. He also maintained a .372 hit rate from downtown, attempting 7.2 per game. The best thing about Bridges is his health history, having played no fewer than 72 games per season over six professional campaigns.
Health and Consistency
The Knicks needed to find more players with strong health histories, and Bridges might be the best of the bunch. He was a First Team All-Defense player back during the 2021–22 season and ranked second in Defensive Player of the Year voting. His performance with the Brooklyn Nets was wildly inconsistent due to their lack of support.
Strategic Moves by the Nets
The Nets spoke as if they wanted to build around Bridges but instead dismantled their team and put together a disappointing product. They gave more offensive opportunities to Cam Thomas, so the Knicks swooping in and taking Bridges away allows Brooklyn to continue developing their players without the pressing need to build immediately around their star forward.
Knicks’ Roster Enhancement
Both teams benefit—the Knicks acquire an elite defensive wing with phenomenal perimeter shooting and aggressiveness driving to the basket. This allows them to push Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart into rotation roles, areas where the team lacked talent last season.
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Looking Ahead
Mikal may ultimately be the missing piece to a championship, especially since competing against the Boston Celtics will require all hands on deck and plenty of defensive effort. Bridges can play 35 minutes per game, and the Knicks will certainly be asking him to do plenty. Anunoby’s health history is a bit more checkered, so having more consistent options on the floor at all times will allow the Knicks to survive the ebbs and flows of a grueling NBA season.