Mikal Bridges Has Strong Showing In Second Start
Mikal Bridges stuffed the stat sheet during his second career start against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday. After forcing his way into the starting lineup with his strong play off the bench, Bridges logged a career-best 31 minutes Saturday, which led to an outing with 14 points, four steals, two rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Should the rookie from Villanova remain in the Phoenix starting five, he’s likely to see ample looks from three and will serve as a primary wing defender in line for steals/blocks, so he’s worth a speculative add at this point with plenty of upside.
Source: ESPN
Phoenix Suns small/power forward Source: ESPN
Mikal Bridges Unlikely To Sign Extension With Knicks
Mikal Bridges moved across the city this offseason as he was traded from the Nets to the Knicks over the summer. The Knicks proved that they weren't done there as they traded away Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo for Karl-Anthony Towns. After taking on Towns' massive contract, the Knicks are in win-now mode. According to Brian Windhorst, that sentiment gets even louder because Bridges is unlikely to sign an extension with the team. He'll likely wait another year to explore either an extension or signing with a different team because his negotiations become more flexible the longer he waits. Bridges was the number-one option for the Nets last season and averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 43.6% from the floor and 37.2% from deep. His numbers are more than likely going to drop as his usage falls since he'll be playing with Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, and Towns.
Source: Brian Windhorst
New York Knicks guard/forward Source: Brian Windhorst
Mikal Bridges Traded To The Knicks
Mikal Bridges to the Knicks on Tuesday night. In exchange, Brooklyn will receive multiple unprotected first-round draft picks and forward Bojan Bogdanovic. The former Villanova Wildcat took a step backward in 2023-24, averaging 19.6 points, 6.5 fewer than he had in 27 games in Brooklyn during the 2022-23 campaign. While the Nets had scoffed at numerous offers from other clubs around the National Basketball Association, Bridges will now reunite with former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo. Without question, the move makes New York an even bigger threat in the Eastern Conference, considering Bridges is the most durable player in the league. He was also in the running for a Defensive Player of the Year award at one point in his career. At any rate, the 27-year-old has plenty to offer fantasy managers, even though he'll have more competition for scoring opportunities with the Knicks.
Source: Adrian Wojnarowski
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Nets traded forward Source: Adrian Wojnarowski
Jazz Among Teams Chasing Mikal Bridges
Mikal Bridges has been linked with three teams as the 2024 NBA Draft draws nearer. According to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, Bridges is a "player to monitor" among the Utah Jazz's "most aggressive aspirations." Fischer has also listed the Houston Rockets and New York Knicks as potential suitors for Bridges. Previous reports have suggested that the Nets aren't interested in any deals involving the former All-Defensive First Team member. However, they might end up getting an offer which is too good to refuse. League sources have told Fischer that Brooklyn has actively tried to trade into this week's draft. Houston holds the No. 3 pick, Utah has the No. 10 selection, and New York boasts two late first-round picks.
Source: Jake Fischer
Brooklyn Nets forward Source: Jake Fischer
Nets Still Not Interested In Trading Mikal Bridges
Mikal Bridges. Per Katz, league sources have contacted Brooklyn about acquiring the former Sun, with teams offering "hoards of first-rounders." However, the Nets haven't budged. After the 27-year-old was traded from Phoenix in 2022-23, he averaged a career-high 26.1 points in 27 games in Brooklyn. But his production declined significantly last season, with Bridges ending the year by averaging 19.6 points. At any rate, the Nets are in rebuilding mode, and it appears the franchise wants to build around Bridges. Brooklyn also has a new coach in Jordi Fernandez, which could help Bridges turn things around for fantasy managers in 2024-25.
Source: Fred Katz
According to Fred Katz of the New York Times, the Brooklyn Nets are staying firm on their unwillingness to trade forward Source: Fred Katz
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