In a deal that has shaken the NBA landscape, the Knicks-Nets Trade has sent Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks in exchange for a staggering haul. Announced late Tuesday, this blockbuster move has left fans buzzing and analysts scrambling to decode its far-reaching impact on both teams.
How the Knicks-Nets Trade Changes Everything
The Trade that Rocked the NBA
In a move that’s set tongues wagging, the Brooklyn Nets have agreed to send star forward Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks. The exchange involves a treasure trove of assets: Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick from the Bucks, an unprotected pick swap in 2028, and a second-rounder. This deal has ignited debates, with the Knicks parting with significant future assets to bolster their roster.
The Financial Fallout
Following the trade, the Knicks now have a salary commitment of $140 million, while the Nets’ cap allocation for the 2024-25 season stands at approximately $169 million. Despite this, New York still controls three picks in the 2024 NBA draft—positions 24, 25, and 38—while Brooklyn’s draft arsenal remains barren for this upcoming season.
Rosters Rewritten: Knicks and Nets
Here’s a glimpse into the revamped rosters post-trade:
Knicks Active Roster and 2024-25 Salaries
OG Anunoby, SF: $36.6M (2029)
Julius Randle, PF: $30.3M (2026)
Jalen Brunson, PG: $25M (2026)
Mikal Bridges, SF: $23.3M (2026)
Josh Hart, SF: $18.1M (2028)
Mitchell Robinson, C: $14.3M (2026)
Donte DiVincenzo, SG: $11.4M (2027)
Miles McBride, PG: $4.7M (2027)
Mamadi Diakite, PF: $2.3M (2025)
Free Agents: Alec Burks, Isaiah Hartenstein, Precious Achiuwa, Jericho Sims, DaQuan Jeffries, Shake Milton, Jacob Toppin, Charlie Brown Jr., Duane Washington Jr.
Nets Active Roster and 2024-25 Salaries
Ben Simmons, PG: $40.3M (2025)
Nic Claxton, C: $25M (2028)
Cameron Johnson, SF: $22.5M (2027)
Bojan Bogdanovic, SF: $19M (2025)
Dorian Finney-Smith, PF: $14.4M (2026)
Dennis Schröder, PG: $13M (2025)
Cameron Thomas, SG: $4M (2025)
Day’Ron Sharpe, C: $4M (2025)
Noah Clowney, PF: $3.2M (2027)
Dariq Whitehead, SG: $3.1M (2027)
Jalen Wilson, PF: $1.9M (2026)
Jaylen Martin, F: Two-way (2025)
Free Agents: Dennis Smith Jr., Keita Bates-Diop, Lonnie Walker IV, Trendon Watford, Keon Johnson, Harry Giles, Jacob Gilyard
A New Era for the Knicks and Nets
For the Knicks, this acquisition is not just a roster adjustment—it’s a game-changer. Mikal Bridges, who holds the NBA record for consecutive games played, is expected to inject fresh energy into New York’s lineup. The Knicks, who secured the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference last season, are hoping that Bridges, alongside a re-signed OG Anunoby, will fortify their defense and keep them competitive. Anunoby’s five-year, $212.5 million deal is a testament to their commitment.
On the flip side, the Nets seem to be entering a rebuilding phase, focusing on integrating younger talents like Cam Thomas into larger roles. The team also secured Nic Claxton with a hefty $100 million contract over four years, signaling a strategic shift towards long-term growth.
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