The Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks could play in the identical state, however they’re removed from rivals. Even so, the Nets have performed a fantastic job placing the Knicks right into a bind.
Bridges was a key member of final season’s Knicks group that went to the Japanese Convention Finals, their greatest season in 25 years. That being stated, the Knicks clearly overpaid to accumulate him.
They gave up a staggering 5 first-round picks within the deal to land Bridges, which raised eyebrows on the time, however Knicks followers have been simply pleased to have a stacked roster. The commerce has paid off on the courtroom, but it surely has additionally hamstrung them too.
New York then chased a nasty choice by giving Bridges a 4-year, $150 million extension. That was doubtless agreed to after buying him and instantly makes the Knicks’ scenario far worse.
The Nets have sabotaged the Knicks’ possibilities of contending
Being out 5 firsts, six in case you embody the decide they gave up within the Karl-Anthony Cities commerce, is a large downside for New York. They can not make one other massive commerce, say for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Or, on the very least, to make smaller strikes to bolster their roster. To the Knicks’ credit score, they did make a number of strong strikes to unravel their depth points. That features New York including Jordan Clarkson for the veteran minimal and Guerschon Yabusele.
That ought to give the Knicks not less than 9 dependable rotation gamers, which means they will not should overrely on gamers akin to Bridges. Fewer minutes ought to hopefully yield higher outcomes. Nonetheless, the Knicks will inevitably run into issues as a byproduct of the Bridges commerce.
The Knicks’ rumored pursuit of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrity turns into nearly unattainable with no tradeable first-round decide. They’d should get extremely artistic by buying and selling Bridges or Karl-Anthony Cities for the belongings wanted to make a Giannis deal occur however that is a pipe dream due to the Nets
In the end, the Knicks will principally be regretting buying and selling 5 first-round picks to the Nets for Bridges. That transfer, and signing him to an enormous extension, may’ve made them higher however may hold them from reaching the subsequent stage.
