After Mikal Bridges trade, Knicks are determined to keep OG Anunoby: NBA insider

The New York Knicks are determined to keep OG Anunoby even after acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. The Knicks made the biggest move of the offseason so far by trading Bojan Bogdanovic and five first-round picks, a pick swap and a second-round pick for Bridges.

According to SNY's Ian Begley, the Knicks are still looking to bring back Anunoby in free agency despite the Bridges deal. Anunoby arrived in New York earlier this year via trade with the Toronto Raptors. He helped the team whenever he was healthy, but he's opted out of his player option to become an unrestricted free agent.

"Told that Knicks' trade for Mikal Bridges does not change their hope that they can re-sign free agent OG Anunoby. That remains a priority for the club," Begley reported.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski also reported the same info minutes after Ian Begley's original report. He did add that one of the reasons why the New York Knicks are interested in bringing back OG Anunoby is to bolster the team's defense on the perimeter.

The NBA insider further explained that the Knicks want to match up with the Boston Celtics' starting five. The defending NBA champs have a loaded starting lineup, so New York is trying their best to improve the overall roster.

Wojnarowski even mentioned Isaiah Hartenstein, who might not be returning to the Knicks in free agency. Hartenstein was huge for the Knicks last season, especially when Mitchell Robinson had to undergo ankle surgery in December. He put up career numbers and was even bigger in the postseason.

However, with the demand for centers this summer, the Knicks are likely getting priced out by teams more desperate to add size. One of the teams linked with Hartenstein is the OKC Thunder, a team with tons of cap space that can offer more money than New York.

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Mikal Bridges joining his Villanova teammates in New York

Mikal Bridges joining his Villanova teammates in New York.

Mikal Bridges is joining three of his former teammates with the Villanova Wildcats in New York. Bridges will get to team up again with Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo. He won two NCAA championships with Brunson in 2016 and 2018, one with Hart in 2016 and one with DiVincenzo in 2018.

The Knicks are all in on the Villanova boys who kept the team alive for the majority of the season. Hart and DiVincenzo elevated their play when the Knicks needed it the most in the playoffs. They had to step up with injuries to Julius Randle and OG Anunoby.

Brunson has turned into a superstar in New York after just two seasons. Bridges adds another layer of offense and defense, as well as durability. The Knicks missed a lot of players due to injury, while Bridges has not missed a game in his NBA career.