Trade Grades: Nets Deal Mikal Bridges To The Knicks

Trade Grades: Nets Deal Mikal Bridges To The Knicks

The Nova squad is complete. Mikal Bridges has been traded to the Knicks joining the likes of Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart. Brooklyn and New York actually came together on a deal but the Knicks paid a HUGE price to get it done. Let’s hand out trade grades and talk about who won the deal!

Knicks: Grade A-

First, let’s go over the full terms of the deal. The Knicks will send the Nets five total first round picks. Those picks heading to Brooklyn include… New York’s first round selections in 2025, 2027, 2029, and 2031, along with an unprotected pick swap with New York in 2028. They will also receive a top four protected Milwaukee first in 2025 along with a 2025 second rounder.

That’s a lot not even mentioning the fact that Bojan Bogdanovic was included in the deal to match salaries.

It’s an enormous price tag. No way around it. With all that said, it’s hard to hate the deal. He’s a perfect fit and that goes way beyond the Nova connection. This is a Tom Thibodeau guy through and through. Bridges is so durable, he plays every game, and plays both ends of the floor. It’s a two way wing and those guys just don’t grow on trees. He’s essential to matching the wings that the Celtics currently bring to the table. You’re officially in the mix with Bridges and OG Anunoby as your counter-match.

That’s not including the fact that your starting five is probably set with Brunson, red head, OG, Bridges, and the big. Julius Randle has no spot and can probably be moved to replenish some of those assets that went out the door. With how good the Knicks are going to be, we’re talking about moving out picks that will be deep in the 20’s.

Mikal Bridges Wanted This Team To Draft Him In 2018

Nets: Grade A-

This is a haul and the Nets certainly deserve credit for doing the right thing. The right thing being going through a real rebuild and starting over. Something this Nets team just had to do. Being stubborn and hanging onto Bridges out of spite would have been a mistake. Brooklyn deserves credit for that much.

However, I’m not sure the deal is a total home run. I’m giving both teams an A- because it makes sense for both teams but there is also inherent risk. Did the Nets even get a premium pick here? They didn’t get any established young players. These picks are going to be in the 20’s and they’re going to need to hit on them. Easier said than done.

Oh, and they gave the keys to the city right back to the Knicks. Is there any price that can be paid to represent that? If the Knicks win a title and the Nets helped make it happen… Uh oh.

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