5 ways in which Mikal Bridges improves the Knicks

Mikal Bridges has been traded to the New York Knicks from the Brooklyn Nets for a blockbuster package. It includes Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick, an unprotected pick swap and a second-rounder.

Mikal Bridges reportedly forced the hand of the Nets and demanded a trade across the Bridge to the Knicks. That set up a reunion with his old Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo.

In many ways, Bridges is the ideal complement for his Knicks teammates. Here are five reasons why Mikal Bridges will improve the Knicks:

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Five ways how Mikal Bridges improves the Knicks

#1 His durability and motor

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau is infamous for riding his players for extremely long durations, which puts a strain on their fitness. Mikal Bridges is perhaps the most well-conditioned player in the league and has not missed a game since entering the league in 2018.

# He could be the Knicks’ third scoring option

The Knicks were extremely reliant on the offense of Jalen Brunson in the playoffs, with Julius Randle absent due to injury. Adding Bridges, who's a good shooter and scorer, will relieve some of the burden on their stars.

#3 The Knicks defense just got more fearsome

A potential wing pairing of OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges gives the Knicks an immensely talented duo who are capable both offensively and defensively.

Anunoby and Bridges could both work as the primary on-ball defender against elite offensive scorers on a team that already excelled at it.

#4 The Knicks just solved their lack of a three and D wing

The Knicks were plagued by the lack of outside shooting in the playoffs, finishing dead-last (29.2%) of all teams in the postseason.

Their own reliable shooters, Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride, would enjoy playing with Bridges, who shot 37.5% from downtown last season.

#5 The existing chemistry of the 'Nova Knicks

The core of the New York Knicks now comes Villanova, where they all played together between 2016 and 2018. Bridges has remained close friends with Brunson and Hart and appeared on their 'Roommates podcast'.

The Knicks had their most succesful season in the century in 2024. With the addition of a star in Bridges, they just improved their chances of getting over the hump.