New York City, NY – The New York Knicks have made significant moves to balance the finances in a trade deal to acquire Mikal Bridges. In a strategic move, the Knicks have included players Shake Milton and Mamadi Diakite, along with Bojan Bogdanovic, in addition to five future first-round picks and a pick swap, to secure Bridges from the Nets.
The inclusion of salary in the trade was necessary for the Knicks to avoid being restricted by the $178.1 million first apron for luxury tax purposes. This trade, however, is pending the lifting of the league’s moratorium on Saturday afternoon before it can be officially announced.
Sources reveal that the Knicks had planned all along to avoid being hard-capped at the first apron, ensuring flexibility for future decisions regardless of other potential roster moves. As part of the trade, the Knicks will also acquire forward Keita Bates-Diop from Brooklyn, cementing the deal that involves Milton signing a lucrative three-year, $9 million contract.
Bridges, renowned for his remarkable streak of 474 consecutive games played since entering the NBA, showcased his skills by averaging 19.6 points per game with the Nets last season. His addition to the Knicks’ lineup will reunite him with former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo, promising a formidable lineup for the team that finished second in the Eastern Conference last season.
The Knicks’ bold move in acquiring Bridges signifies their commitment to strengthening their roster for the upcoming season. With a blend of experience and talent, the team aims to build upon their previous success and make a deeper run in the playoffs. The addition of Bridges adds depth and skill to the Knicks’ lineup, creating anticipation among fans and analysts for the team’s performance in the upcoming season.