X

NBA

    Mikal Bridges Tells Nets 'Love is Always Gonna Be There' After Knicks Trade

    zach bacharContributor IJuly 7, 2024

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 14: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on April 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
    G Fiume/Getty Images

    Mikal Bridges thanked the Brooklyn Nets organization in an Instagram post on Sunday following his trade to the New York Knicks.

    "You guys showed love from the beginning and honestly helped me expand my game even more," Bridges wrote in the caption, adding that "love is always gonna be there" for the team.

    Legion Hoops @LegionHoops

    Mikal Bridges' goodbye message to the Nets:<br><br>"Once again I got traded I was not a free agent idk what y'all want me to do 😭😭"<br><br>(h/t <a href="https://twitter.com/erikslater_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@erikslater_</a>) <a href="https://t.co/2ONCpL6q3h">pic.twitter.com/2ONCpL6q3h</a>

    The 27-year-old was acquired by the Knicks in a June 25 trade with the Nets, as New York sent out a package that included Bojan Bogdanović and four unprotected first-round picks in return.

    Bridges came to Brooklyn in Feb. 2023 as part of a four-team trade that also resulted in Kevin Durant becoming a member of the Phoenix Suns. He thrived immediately after the move, averaging 26.1 points per game to close out the season with the Nets and finishing No. 4 in Most Improved Player voting.

    Throughout 109 total games in Brooklyn, Bridges averaged 21.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists each night while shooting 44.7 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from three.

    Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

    MIKAL BRIDGES FULL-COURT SHOT TO BEAT THE HALFTIME BUZZER 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/EwhOzcz28i">pic.twitter.com/EwhOzcz28i</a>

    With the large amount of draft capital that the Nets received by moving the forward, they'll likely pivot towards a younger roster highlighted by Nic Claxton and Cam Thomas. Brooklyn will also have a new head coach next season after hiring former Sacramento Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez in April.

    Mikal Bridges Tells Nets 'Love is Always Gonna Be There' After Knicks Trade
    ✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content

    As for the Knicks, they'll attempt to build upon a second-round playoff appearance and contend with the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. While New York lost center Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency, the team was still able to re-sign defensive-minded wing OG Anunoby on a five-year deal worth $212.5 million.

    Bridges will also be teaming up with several of his former college teammates at Villanova including Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo.