The NBA offseason by no means disappoints.
On the eve of the 2024 NBA draft, the New York Knicks are buying Mikal Bridges and a second-round choose from the Brooklyn Nets in trade for Bojan Bogdanovic, 6 first-round picks and a 2025 second-round choose — in accordance with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
4 of the 6 first-round picks going to Brooklyn are unprotected, spanning to 2031. The Nets have additionally executed a aspect deal involving the Houston Rockets that will enable them to retain their choose capital in 2025 and 2026 (from the James Harden commerce) and utterly reset.
The Knicks are doubling down on their present core, thrusting themselves into the championship dialog and reuniting Bridges along with his championship Villanova teammates.
There are a lot of shifting elements on this blockbuster commerce, however who gained the deal?
Knicks Grade: B+
Admittedly, the Knicks gave up a major quantity of draft capital for a participant who has by no means made the All-Star group — however that will be promoting Bridges’s capabilities brief.
He helped flip across the Phoenix Suns franchise alongside Devin Booker, turned probably the greatest wing defenders within the league whereas at it, and in his 1.5 seasons in Brooklyn, explored the boundaries of his offensive ceiling. In New York, he’ll possible slide again into a task extra suited to him offensively, permitting the 2022 All-Protection member to hone in on that aspect of the ball.
New York simply completed one among their most profitable seasons this century. They gained 50 video games for the primary time since 2014 and regardless of being decimated by accidents, compelled the Indiana Pacers to 7 video games within the East Semi-Finals. Once they traded for OG Anunoby mid-season, they proceeded to go 15-2 in January, totally wholesome. They completed the 12 months as one among solely 4 groups to boast a high 10 offense and protection.
In the event that they do retain Anunoby (which in accordance with experiences stays a precedence) — they may have an argument for one of the best defensive wing platoon within the NBA with Bridges, Anunoby, Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, and Deuce McBride patrolling the perimeter.
By the best way, Bridges is without doubt one of the healthiest gamers within the league. He hasn’t missed a single sport of basketball in his 6-year profession, making him a dependable insurance coverage coverage ought to the extra injury-prone Anunoby miss time.
This commerce doesn’t come with out questions, although — monetary ones.
They possible will be unable to compete for the skills of Isaiah Hartenstein on the open market and the looming extensions for each Brunson and Julius Randle will solely additional complicate issues.
However in a league that has been outlined by parity as of late — 6 totally different champions within the final 6 seasons — the Knicks ought to really feel assured that Bridges places them in competition to win their first title in over 50 years.
That, in itself, makes this price ticket price it for New York.
Nets Grade Commerce: A
For Brooklyn — that is an try to undo the errors of the previous. To hit the reset button with a transparent conscience and transfer into a unique section all collectively.
The Nets now have 13 first-round picks between now and 2029 — sufficient draft capital to thrust themselves into the dialog for any potential disgruntled star in the marketplace and the pliability to decide on their path.
Whereas Bridges is a worthwhile participant, buying 6 first-round picks, 4 of that are unprotected is an unbelievably profitable return for a participant who isn’t a franchise cornerstone.
Following the disappointing Kevin Durant-James Harden-Kyrie Irving period, Brooklyn sputtered right into a visionless course with a mishmash roster that left them middling within the Jap Convention.
This commerce finally determines their path. They’ve lastly chosen a route. And it’s one with a long-term imaginative and prescient in thoughts.
So who gained? Solely time will inform.
The possible situation is that each fanbases are telling themselves they acquired out like thieves.