Perhaps you had concerns that the New York Knicks were lacking players from Villanova after the success of Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo this season. But fret not.
According to league sources, the Knicks are set to acquire Mikal Bridges and a second-round pick from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Bojan Bogdanović, five first-round picks, and a second-round pick. Additionally, the Nets are making a trade with the Houston Rockets, swapping first-round picks owed to them by Phoenix from the Kevin Durant trade to regain their own picks from the James Harden trade.
The Nets have traded Mikal Bridges to the Knicks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/whfKZ66tmZ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2024
Sources: The Brooklyn Nets are trading a 2025 Suns pick swap, 2027 Suns first-rounder, and a first-rounder and swap in 2029 to the Houston Rockets for their own 2025 pick swap and 2026 first-round from the James Harden trade.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 26, 2024
As per ESPN’s report, the trade involves four unprotected first-round picks from the Knicks, a protected first-round pick from the Bucks, and a future second-round pick, along with Bogdanović. This trade involves a significant number of draft picks and raises many implications. Let’s evaluate this trade with some grades.
Knicks acquire Mikal Bridges and a second-round pick
Last season, the Knicks secured the East’s No. 2 seed, reached the playoffs’ second round, but faced setbacks due to injuries to key players like OG Anunoby.
Bridges, a player who has not missed a single game in his six-year NBA career, becomes a crucial addition to the Knicks’ roster. His defensive prowess and consistency make him a valuable asset alongside Anunoby, pending his re-signing in free agency.
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Bridges’ addition enhances the Knicks’ defensive capabilities and complements their existing chemistry with players like Hart, DiVincenzo, and Brunson. While the trade involves significant draft capital, it strengthens the Knicks’ roster for a competitive run in the East.
Grade: A
Nets acquire Bojan Bogdanović, six first-round picks, their own 2025 pick swap from Houston, and a second-round pick
The Nets amass multiple draft picks in addition to bringing back Bogdanović, who previously played for Brooklyn. The acquired picks include several first-round and second-round selections, emphasizing the depth of this trade.
This trade signifies a strategic move by the Nets to accumulate significant assets for future trades and team-building opportunities. They now possess a wealth of picks to navigate the competitive landscape and strengthen their roster.
Grade: A
Rockets acquire 2025 Suns pick swap, a 2027 first, a 2029 first, and a pick swap from Brooklyn
The Rockets secure multiple first-round picks and pick swaps from Brooklyn in preparation for potential trade activities in the upcoming seasons. This trade empowers the Rockets to position themselves as key players in the trade market, leveraging their newfound draft assets.
Under new coach Ime Udoka, the Rockets demonstrated considerable growth and development last season, setting the stage for a promising future with young talent and experienced veterans. The acquired assets position the Rockets as formidable contenders in future trades and roster enhancements.
Grade: A-
(Top photo: Nathaniel S. Butler / NBAE via Getty Images)