Mikal Bridges’ ‘crazy’ reaction to shocking Knicks-Nets trade

New York Knicks fans got a shock on Tuesday when it was announced that Mikal Bridges would be the new name on the roster. The Brooklyn Nets recently agreed to send the winger to the Knicks in exchange for Bojan Bogdanovic, five first-round picks, a second-round pick and a pick swap. Even the 27-year-old himself seemed surprised. Once the exchange was made public, Bridges immediately addressed X and shared his thoughts in a four-word message.

“It’s crazy lol,” wrote the winger.

A reunion at Villanova

This is quite a surprising development, and one that no doubt brought a smile to the faces of Villanova basketball fans. Bridges playing for the other Big Apple team means only one thing: he will be reunited with his college teammates.

In his time with the Wildcats, the winger shared the floor with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo. All four were part of Villanova’s 2016 NCAA championship while Bridges, Brunson and DiVincenzo won another title in 2018.

During Villanova’s 2017-18 campaign, Bridges averaged 17.7 and 5.3 rebounds in 40 games. He won the 2018 Big East Tournament MVP and was named to the 2018 AP All-American Third Team.

Learn more about Mikal Bridges

Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, Bridges was immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he spent nearly five seasons. He appeared in the 2021 NBA Finals, where the Suns would fall to the Milwaukee Bucks in six games. Regardless, Bridges has been a key starter in Phoenix’s 2020-21 campaign, averaging 13.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

The following season, Bridges was named to the all-defensive first team while taking second place in the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year voting.

He was eventually sent to the Brooklyn Nets in 2023, where his full potential was showcased. Bridges recorded 26.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 27 games during his first campaign with Brooklyn. His averages dipped last season, but Bridges still finished as the Nets’ second-leading scorer.

Bridge durability will be a big help

Besides his two-way game, one thing Mikal Bridges brings to the table is durability. The winger has not missed a single game during his NBA career, appearing in a total of 474 outings. And to be frank, durability is something the Knicks have been struggling with lately.

The team had a strong performance in the recent playoffs, but they have been plagued by multiple injuries. Specifically, their frontline was depleted for most of the second round. At the start of the playoffs, the Knicks were already without Julius Randle. Bogdanovic was the next to lose in the first round to the Philadelphia 76ers. Against the Indiana Pacers, New York then lost Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby at the start of the series.

Bridges are expected to play a major role again. He’ll likely start at three, in light of Anunoby’s decision to become a free agent. With another Nova boy in the mix, the Knicks are poised to be contenders in the East again.