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Hello Woj Bomb, hello Jay Wright, and hello New York! In a move that was written on the wall all last season, and a pendulum changing one for the Knicks contention hopes next season, Mikal Bridges is officially a New York Knick!
The obvious reason why the excitment is buzzing online is Bridges' conenction to the current roster. His fellow Villanova Wildcats and Championship brothers are the Knicks main core. This trade helped the Knicks land one of the league’s most coveted trade assets. He hasn't missed a game in five seasons, he is a work horse, and is going to fit in this team perfectly.
The trade itself wasn't terrible at all. Some call it overkill, but to keep the team in tact and toss some future assets for the ability to win now is priceless. The price for Bridges was Bojan Bogdanovic (salary filler and injured), four unprotected firsts, one protected first, a first pick swap, and a 2nd rounder. If the Knicks remain stable and winning, those picks are late 20's anyway. The Knicks are here to win now and now fret about the future. The funniest part of the deal is the reaction that the Knicks get online. Every opposing fan is claiming this as an overpay or that the Knicks now have bowed themselves out of re-signing OG and IHart.
First off, the window is now. The draft is a total crapshoot, and the team historically isn't in the position to play young guys. Thibs runs a tight ship and the chemistry and work ethic are the navigators. Secondly, the New York Knicks still have 5 first round-picks in the next 3 NBA Drafts. They have two this upcoming, and can now continue to devlop and build this roster. When it comes to the team's impending free agents, acquiring Mikal Bridges does not change their hope that they can re-sign free agent OG Anunoby. That remains a priority for the club. The Knicks only took in $3M more salary from the Mikal Bridges and can still have plenty of money in bringing back the duo. Adding Bridges to this squad helps the team match up perfectly on the wings to anybody in the East and beyond.
We have seen some dark days as Knicks fans, but this team is building itself back up to greatness. Now let's go have an off-season. BING BONG.
