Mikal Bridges had himself a solid debut season with the New York Knicks last year. After appearing in every game for the team, the forward gave his all on both ends of the floor, recording an average of 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
While the forward has been one of the most reliable players on the Knicks' roster, considering the large-scale personnel changes the franchise is undergoing, Bridges may find himself on the trading block in the offseason.
As per SiriusXM Radio's Frank Isola, Bridges, as well as Mitchell Robinson, have been viewed as potential outgoing contracts this offseason. In the case of the forward, the reason is quite simple.
As of Wednesday, the 28-year-old became eligible for a $156 million contract extension, something the Knicks may not be willing to offer.
Given that the Knicks faced disappointment in the Eastern Conference Finals, leading to personnel changes, it is blatantly clear that people in the organization are pointing fingers wherever it is convenient.
In this regard, Bridges has been on the receiving end of criticism due to his disappearance in the series against the Indiana Pacers, a complete defensive meltdown, unbecoming of his heroics in the earlier rounds.
If the rumors are to be considered true, then Bridges may be best served by looking for a new team. With this in mind, we explore the best landing spots for the Knicks forward.
Detroit Pistons
While the Knicks may be hesitant about trading Bridges to a team in the same conference, there is a lot of benefit in trading with the Detroit Pistons. As a young team with talented players and extensive draft reserves, New York could look to build while adding youth to their roster.
Proposed Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Ron Holland II, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick, 2029 second-round (MIL)
Detroit Pistons Receive: Mikal Bridges
The addition of Bridges does wonders for a team like the Pistons. After facing defeat at the hands of the Knicks in the first round of the playoffs, Detroit displayed that they were on the rise, a force to be reckoned with in the East.
Led by Cade Cunningham, the Pistons have a lot of pieces on their roster that contribute to winning. Adding Bridges would simply transform them into a legitimate playoff contender in the East.
A perimeter defense anchored by Ausar Thompson and Bridges is intimidating enough. By also factoring in the 28-year-old's ability to stretch the floor with the three-point shot, with an average of 35.4% last season, Detroit could find new contributors on offense as well.
This deal benefits Detroit as it gives them a key roster piece, and a durable one at that. Considering their run-ins with injury, having a consistent presence on the floor would aid in establishing some degree of rhythm as well.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors might be the ideal fit for a player like Mikal Bridges. Seamlessly fitting into the template set up franchise legend Andre Iguodala, Bridges would immediately be a vital contributor for the Warriors on both ends of the floor.
Proposed Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, 2027 first-round pick
Golden State Warriors Receive: Mikal Bridges
A trade for Bridges with the Warriors may not be ideal from the point of view of offloading salary, but it would certainly help the Knicks add a potential star to their roster.
Jonathan Kuminga's aspirations to become an All-Star would drive him to great heights in the East. Although he has garnered attention from teams like the Miami Heat as well, New York would be advised to sign him quickly and cultivate his talent for the future.
Meanwhile, the acquisition of Bridges almost immediately fulfills the Warriors' need for a wing defender. Although his playmaking may not be up to par, Bridges could be a very capable rotational piece, playing small forward in most cases.
The problem that Bridges' addition creates is associated with the team's decision to pivot from the "small ball" approach. Given that the Dubs will need a big man as well, the 28-year-old could potentially find himself coming off the bench for Draymond Green or Jimmy Butler.
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are one of the most viable trading spots this offseason. Given their abundance of draft capital and young talent, the Knicks could find a way to leverage their assets to get the most out of the Spurs.
Proposed Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Devin Vassell, 2027 first-round pick (ATL), 2029 first-round pick
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Mikal Bridges
The Spurs were expected to make a much bigger splash in the trade market, primarily by leveraging their first-round picks in this year's draft. Unfortunately, this hasn't come to pass, and instead, San Antonio selected Dylan Harper with the No. 2 overall pick.
While this has had major implications on the team's roster makeup, it is evident that San Antonio still needs to make some adjustments to become truly competitive. In this regard, Mikal Bridges may be the ideal piece.
In a lineup featuring De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper, the Spurs are rather shorthanded in the frontcourt. Although Harrison Barnes remains a reliable veteran, his productivity has fallen off a cliff.
Acquiring Bridges answers the team's need for a solid perimeter defender to pair with Victor Wembanyama on the inside. The added boost on the two-way front could yield favorable results for the Spurs.
Meanwhile, the Knicks benefit from acquiring two key draft assets for the future, along with a young guard with upside in Devin Vassell. His averages of 16.3 points and 4.0 rebounds hold a lot of promise for the future, particularly considering that he is in the second year of his five-year, $135 million contract.
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are looking to make some big moves to improve their roster in the offseason. With players such as DeMar DeRozan made available in trade talks, the Kings could look to restructure their approach towards trades by turning their attention towards this proposal with New York.
Proposed Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Malik Monk, Devin Carter, 2026 first-round pick
Sacramento Kings Receive: Mikal Bridges
This deal works perfectly well for both parties. For the Knicks, they receive two fairly team-friendly contracts, with three years left before they become extension-eligible. In addition to this, they also acquire a first-round pick in next year's draft, which can be viewed as a valuable developmental piece or a trade chip.
Meanwhile, this deal works out well for the Kings as well. With DeRozan potentially on the way out, Sacramento will need a wing. Bridges brings effective contributions on both ends of the floor, solidifying the team's perimeter and also improving their overall defensive integrity.
The challenge in this proposal is to understand what the Kings plan to do in the upcoming season. If this is meant to rebuild a season for them, Bridges may be a wasteful purchase, but as an expiring contract, he could still be valuable in clearing cap space next summer.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat have been incredibly active in recent trade rumors, with the likes of Andrew Wiggins becoming the name on everyone's tongues. While a trade with the Heat would be beneficial for the Knicks, they are unlikely to get Wiggins in a trade. Instead, a more interesting proposal may present itself.
Proposed Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr., 2028 first-round pick
Miami Heat Receive: Mikal Bridges
With Wiggins on the way out, the Heat will require a primary wing defender and perimeter threat. Although he isn't as gifted a scorer as Wiggins is, Bridges is by far a superior defender, and on a team like the Heat, this aspect will be given great value.
The Heat have made it abundantly clear that they have no intention of running it back with the squad they have. While their star Bam Adebayo has also been introduced in trade rumors, it is highly unlikely they would part ways with him. Instead, the Heat may look to supplement their roster with key rotational players, like Bridges.
Parting with Jovic and Jaquez may not necessarily be on Miami's cards right away, especially considering that Pat Riley refused to include them in a trade package for Kevin Durant. But should the Knicks wear him down enough, they would benefit greatly from completing this deal.
New York Should Retain Bridges
The Knicks are coming off a tremendous run in the playoffs. Although the media has dubbed the season an abject failure, fanning the flames leading up to Tom Thibodeau's firing, New York showed that they have the right pieces to compete in the East.
With major changes in the conference, the East is expected to get much weaker. This allows the Knicks to establish themselves as the top team in the conference. While they have enough talented players to allow them to achieve this, retaining Bridges would be the last piece in the puzzle.
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