Who did the 76ers get in the Mikal Bridges trade?

Mikal Bridges is an American small forward who plays for the New York Knicks. Known for his exceptional lockdown defense, Bridges won two NCAA championships with the Villanova Wildcats (2016 and 2018) before the NBA. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, Bridges has emerged as a defensive juggernaut in recent seasons, earning a runner-up spot for Defensive Player of the Year in the 2021/2022 season. He uses his lateral quickness, defensive instincts, and active hands to disrupt the rhythm of offensive players.

Bridges has uncanny instincts about predicting opposition player movements and getting in their way with his elite lateral quickness. He rarely lets any offensive player blow by him. His active hands and disruptive defensive style consistently interrupt the rhythm of offensive players, making him a formidable force on defense. While renowned for his defensive prowess, Bridges is steadily transforming into an elite mid-range shooter. His off-the-dribble jump shots add an extra dimension to his offensive repertoire. Bridges’ offense has slowly evolved, increasing his points per game from 8.3 in his rookie season to an impressive 20.1 in the 2022/23 season. In February 2023, Bridges became a pivotal figure in the blockbuster 'Kevin Durant trade,' joining the Brooklyn Nets, where he quickly impressed fans by scoring a career-high 45 points in just his second game. After a solid one & half-season with the Nets, where he emerged as a star, Mikal Bridges was traded to the New York Knicks in the 2024 off-season.

Mikal Bridges Trade

In the Mikal Bridges trade, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired Zhaire Smith from the Phoenix Suns. The trade occurred during the 2018 NBA Draft when Mikal Bridges was selected by the 76ers with the 10th overall pick but was subsequently traded to the Suns in exchange for Zhaire Smith and a 2021 first-round draft pick.

Mikal Bridges High School

Mikal Bridges attended Great Valley High School in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

He has a deeply rooted narrative in the heart of Philadelphia. He was born to Tyneeha Rivers who raised him as a single parent. Growing up in Overbrook, Philadelphia, and nearby neighborhoods, Bridges later moved to Malvern, Pennsylvania during his middle school years. Attending Great Valley High School in Malvern, Bridges began to seriously pursue basketball during his sophomore season as he experienced a notable growth spurt that saw him reach 6 feet 6 inches.

In his junior season, he averaged an impressive 20.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. By his senior season, Bridges had firmly established himself as a young star in the Pennsylvania basketball circuit, earning the title of First Team All-Class AAAA and posting impressive averages of 18.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.4 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game.

Raised in the Overbrook Philly area, Bridges proudly embraced his roots and developed a deep connection with the Philadelphia 76ers in his childhood. His ultimate childhood dream came true when he was drafted by his favorite team, the Sixers. However, the joy was short-lived as the team he had cheered for since childhood, traded him on draft night. It was a cruel twist of fate for Bridges, however, he continues to perform at an All-Star level for the Brooklyn Nets.