Following a disappointing early exit from the playoffs, the New York Knicks are setting their sights on bolstering their roster for the upcoming season. The latest buzz in the basketball world suggests that the Knicks are eyeing Brooklyn Nets star wing, Mikal Bridges, as a potential addition to their lineup. This revelation comes from none other than prominent sports commentator Bill Simmons, who shared his insights on “The Bill Simmons Podcast.”
The Knicks, who were favored in their Round 2 postseason series against the Indiana Pacers, faced a setback due to injuries to key players. Despite the efforts of star guard Jalen Brunson, who showcased a remarkable performance until exiting with a fractured left hand in Game 7, the team fell short of advancing further in the playoffs. This failure has reignited discussions about the team’s need for additional talent, particularly in the realm of shot creation.
Simmons, in his podcast, highlighted Mikal Bridges as the Knicks’ most logical target for the upcoming season. He emphasized the potential reunion of Bridges with his former Villanova University teammates who currently play for the Knicks—Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo. This connection, Simmons suggests, could be a driving force behind the Knicks’ pursuit of Bridges, potentially leading them to offer a lucrative deal to secure his services.
Bridges, who spent his first full season with the Brooklyn Nets after a trade from the Phoenix Suns, showcased promising performances in his initial games with the team. However, his output dipped slightly in the following season, raising questions about his compatibility with the Nets’ playing style. Nonetheless, at 27 years old and with a clean injury record, Bridges presents an attractive option for teams seeking a reliable and relatively low-risk addition to their roster.
While the Knicks are eager to fortify their lineup with Bridges, there’s speculation about the motivations of the Brooklyn Nets regarding the star wing. With a disappointing finish in the previous season and a lack of a clear leading scorer, the Nets may consider trading Bridges as part of a rebuilding strategy. Simmons suggests that selling high on Bridges could provide the Nets with valuable assets to kickstart their reconstruction efforts.
However, the potential trade remains speculative, with various factors, including the Nets’ willingness to facilitate a deal with a crosstown rival, coming into play. Nonetheless, if Bridges becomes available on the trade market, the Knicks are poised to be among the frontrunners vying for his signature.
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