Bill Simmons predicts the Knicks will target Mikal Bridges to complete a Villanova quartet with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo.
Despite the complexities of trading with the Nets, the Knicks are expected to overpay to bring Bridges to New York, which would enhance their playoff aspirations.
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- Bill Simmons believes the Knicks will target Mikal Bridges to reunite him with fellow Villanova alumni.
- The Knicks may need to overpay to convince the Brooklyn Nets to trade Bridges.
- Despite the rivalry, the Knicks have the assets to potentially secure the deal.
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Bill Simmons Predicts Knicks Targeting Mikal Bridges
The New York Knicks might soon see a new addition to their roster, according to Bill Simmons from The Ringer.
On his podcast on May 20, Simmons revealed his belief that the Knicks are eyeing Mikal Bridges as their main target this summer.
If the trade goes through, Bridges, a standout player currently with the Brooklyn Nets, would reunite with former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo.
Knicks May Overpay for Mikal Bridges
Simmons emphasized that the Knicks will likely overpay to make this reunion happen.
“I really think they’re going to get Mikal Bridges as the big target. I think that’s who they want,” Simmons said.
“I think they’re going to try and overpay because they want those four Villanova guys together, and I don’t think they want a major star. They want somebody like that.”
However, the Knicks and the Nets have not made a trade since 1983, and convincing Brooklyn to part with Bridges will be a challenge.
Simmons noted that the Knicks might need to offer more than Bridges’ current market value to persuade the Nets.
“I think if it’s 120 cents on the dollar,” Simmons speculated. “That’s a guy who should be on a good team and on a [Knicks] team like that unless you feel like you can get [Donovan] Mitchell or Devin Booker.”
Nets’ Rebuilding Efforts and Knicks’ Assets
The Brooklyn Nets, who missed the playoffs and the play-in tournament, are in a precarious position.
Due to the James Harden trade, they do not have control over their own draft picks, and this year’s third overall selection went to Houston.
The Knicks, on the other hand, have a plethora of draft capital with eight first-round and seven second-round picks available.
Matching Bridges’ $23 million salary would be manageable for the Knicks, who could potentially use Bojan Bogdanovic’s $19 million team option.
Bridges is currently under a team-friendly four-year, $90 million contract signed with the Suns before being traded to the Nets.
Challenges of Knicks’ Pursuit of Mikal Bridges
Trading for Bridges is complex due to the rivalry between the Knicks and the Nets and the significant assets involved.
The Nets had already rejected a substantial offer from the Rockets at the trade deadline, which included Jalen Green and picks.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Brooklyn is holding out for more value.
Despite these hurdles, Simmons suggests that the Knicks’ interest in Bridges stems from his consistency and proven track record.
Bridges, known as the “Iron Man” of the NBA, has not missed a game in six seasons, making him a durable addition to the Knicks. Coach Tom Thibodeau relies heavily on his key basketball players.
Knicks’ Long-Term Plans
The Knicks are also preparing for potential opportunities to land a major star. Fred Katz of The Athletic reported that the Knicks are still considering trading for a big name in the summer.
The list of potential targets includes players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Paul George, Donovan Mitchell, and others, depending on the moves made by various teams this offseason.
Expert Predictions and Fan Reactions
Bill Simmons remains confident in his prediction that Bridges is the Knicks’ primary target, valuing the potential reunion of the Villanova teammates and the chemistry it could bring.
His proven track record, averaging 21.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists since joining Brooklyn, makes him an attractive addition to the Knicks’ roster.
Ultimately, while the road to acquiring Mikal Bridges is fraught with challenges, the Knicks’ pursuit aligns with their strategy to enhance their playoff prospects.
By potentially overpaying and leveraging their draft assets, the Knicks hope to bring Bridges into their fold and reunite the Villanova quartet, pushing them closer to championship contention.
