The Knicks finally pulled the trigger on a blockbuster trade by swapping out five first-round picks for Mikal Bridges on Tuesday night.
It was the shocker of the summer (no less than so far), the primary trade negotiated by the Knicks and Nets since Len Elmore went from Latest Jersey to Latest York in 1983.Â
The Post’s Stefan Bondy answers five necessary questions on the deal:Â
Q: Why did the Knicks do that?Â
A: First, Mikal Bridges is the form of plug-and-play wing that each team covets.
He upgrades the defense, helps mask Jalen Brunson’s defensive deficiencies on the perimeter and adds depth to a rotation that ran out of healthy bodies within the playoffs.
Bridges is a minutes-eater.
And the Knicks needed a minutes-eater to get through a season after their three best players — Brunson, Julius Randle, OG Anunoby — all underwent surgery.
They’re fighting an uphill arms race against the Celtics.
Just as necessary, it seems, is that the Knicks discovered the ability of chemistry through college friendships they usually’re leaning into it.
Perhaps it will even help push Brunson to sign his extension this summer.Â
Q: What does this mean for OG Anunoby?Â
A: I still expect the Knicks to re-sign him.
They own his Bird Rights and may exceed the cap to re-sign him, even going as high as a max deal if crucial (though I don’t think it is going to be).
Remember, the Knicks sacrificed quite a bit to get Anunoby (RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley) in order that they don’t wish to lose him for nothing.
He’s also a flexible defender — able to guarding 1 thru 5 — so the addition of Bridges won’t push Anunoby out of the lineup.Â
Q: Is that this too high a price?Â
A: Probably. However it’s the associated fee of going for it.
Bridges, while a borderline All-Star, showed he’s probably best because the No. 3 on a team like he was in Phoenix.
He’ll recreate that role in Latest York behind Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
He’s also extremely durable, and availability is something value paying for in today’s NBA.
Once I say he never misses a game, it’s not an exaggeration.
His consecutive games played streak is impressive within the load management era.
Plus, his contract is team-friendly and tradeable if crucial.
Nonetheless, the Knicks leave themselves open to criticism in the event that they’re now unable to afford a greater star if or when he becomes available.Â
Q: Who’s taken out of the starting lineup for Bridges?Â
A: Assuming Anunoby and Randle return, the logical move is for Donte DiVincenzo to maneuver back to the bench.
That’s where he began last season, although he was a lot better as a starter.
We’ve got to attend and see what other moves are made before the season begins, but, just based on what happened Tuesday, DiVincenzo will see reduced minutes and opportunities.Â
Q: Seriously, does this mean Jay Wright?Â
A: That may be the second Villanova shocker this summer, and that will be much more shocking than Mikal Bridges jumping over the river.
Tom Thibodeau is anticipated to return but we keep waiting for news about his extension.
Perhaps the Knicks were prioritizing this massive trade first. I’m sure Wright is an incredible coach.
However it can be silly to remove Thibodeau from this team.
The Knicks finally pulled the trigger on a blockbuster trade by swapping out five first-round picks for Mikal Bridges on Tuesday night.
It was the shocker of the summer (no less than so far), the primary trade negotiated by the Knicks and Nets since Len Elmore went from Latest Jersey to Latest York in 1983.Â
The Post’s Stefan Bondy answers five necessary questions on the deal:Â
Q: Why did the Knicks do that?Â
A: First, Mikal Bridges is the form of plug-and-play wing that each team covets.
He upgrades the defense, helps mask Jalen Brunson’s defensive deficiencies on the perimeter and adds depth to a rotation that ran out of healthy bodies within the playoffs.
Bridges is a minutes-eater.
And the Knicks needed a minutes-eater to get through a season after their three best players — Brunson, Julius Randle, OG Anunoby — all underwent surgery.
They’re fighting an uphill arms race against the Celtics.
Just as necessary, it seems, is that the Knicks discovered the ability of chemistry through college friendships they usually’re leaning into it.
Perhaps it will even help push Brunson to sign his extension this summer.Â
Q: What does this mean for OG Anunoby?Â
A: I still expect the Knicks to re-sign him.
They own his Bird Rights and may exceed the cap to re-sign him, even going as high as a max deal if crucial (though I don’t think it is going to be).
Remember, the Knicks sacrificed quite a bit to get Anunoby (RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley) in order that they don’t wish to lose him for nothing.
He’s also a flexible defender — able to guarding 1 thru 5 — so the addition of Bridges won’t push Anunoby out of the lineup.Â
Q: Is that this too high a price?Â
A: Probably. However it’s the associated fee of going for it.
Bridges, while a borderline All-Star, showed he’s probably best because the No. 3 on a team like he was in Phoenix.
He’ll recreate that role in Latest York behind Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
He’s also extremely durable, and availability is something value paying for in today’s NBA.
Once I say he never misses a game, it’s not an exaggeration.
His consecutive games played streak is impressive within the load management era.
Plus, his contract is team-friendly and tradeable if crucial.
Nonetheless, the Knicks leave themselves open to criticism in the event that they’re now unable to afford a greater star if or when he becomes available.Â
Q: Who’s taken out of the starting lineup for Bridges?Â
A: Assuming Anunoby and Randle return, the logical move is for Donte DiVincenzo to maneuver back to the bench.
That’s where he began last season, although he was a lot better as a starter.
We’ve got to attend and see what other moves are made before the season begins, but, just based on what happened Tuesday, DiVincenzo will see reduced minutes and opportunities.Â
Q: Seriously, does this mean Jay Wright?Â
A: That may be the second Villanova shocker this summer, and that will be much more shocking than Mikal Bridges jumping over the river.
Tom Thibodeau is anticipated to return but we keep waiting for news about his extension.
Perhaps the Knicks were prioritizing this massive trade first. I’m sure Wright is an incredible coach.
However it can be silly to remove Thibodeau from this team.
