Mikal Bridges Hopes To Improve As Playmaker
Mikal Bridges hopes to become a more dynamic playmaker this season. "If everyone eats, that's the best thing," Bridges said during a recent discussion with Brian Lewis of the New York Post. "I'm very, very willing to pass and be a playmaker, and that's as someone where I'd rather have a 25, 10, and 10 game than a 30-something and four assists." The 26-year-old has a plethora of skills in his arsenal. He's a potent scorer and thrives on the defensive end. Bridges is also arguably the most durable player in the NBA. Despite that, the former Sun still has room to grow, and it's not unreasonable to believe he could enter the MVP conversation at some point in 2023-24.
Source: Brian Lewis
Brooklyn Nets forward Source: Brian Lewis
Mikal Bridges Good To Go Versus Toronto
Mikal Bridges (ankle) will play on Tuesday against the Raptors. He tweaked his ankle during Monday's 124-118 win over the Houston Rockets. But the 28-year-old still finished with 22 points, two blocks, and one steal in 39 minutes. It would take a miracle for Bridges to miss a game, so fantasy managers were planning to see him out there. With Josh Hart (knee) and Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) available, Bridges ceiling isn't as high. Still, he's a must-start in any fantasy format for the favorable matchup on the horizon.
Source: Blake Murphy
New York Knicks forward Source: Blake Murphy
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
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