Mikal Bridges could be ideal final piece as Knicks chase a championship

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Even after acquiring OG Anunoby and running through the league with a 14-2 January, the general consensus on the Knicks’ championship hopes is that they’re still one piece away from truly contending.

Many expect them to pursue that final addition this summer, likely by trading their host of draft picks and some salaries for a top-tier star who can get them over the hump.

It’s hard to consider what names might become available without seeing who washes out of the first round or becomes disgruntled first, but some of the popular ones are Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Devin Booker. These names – among others – are all lead-option-on-a-contender talents who have strung together consecutive playoff losses, have ties to Knicks management, and would be worthy trade targets should the opportunity arise.

That said, the possibility of any becoming available and being dealt to New York could be extremely slim, and they each come with drawbacks. There are injury and age concerns with Embiid and Antetokounmpo, adding Booker to a backcourt with Jalen Brunson will be a defensive challenge, and all three are established alphas who could potentially upset the specifically curated culture that’s revitalized this franchise.

That last point can’t be so easily brushed aside. Knicks fans need only look across the East River for a perfect case study of how selling the soul of your team in exchange for wins can quickly turn badly. 

For that reason, maybe the team should look in that direction in search of their missing piece. Perhaps their best final move isn’t trading for a 1A, 30-PPG megastar at all, but for Mikal Bridges.

Yes, the Knicks and Nets haven’t traded with each other since 1983, and Brooklyn reportedly turned down a pick-heavy trade offer for Bridges before the trade deadline. Chances are an Embiid-level player may be a more realistic target for the Knicks.

But should things change, there’s a strong argument for Bridges being the player who takes New York over the top. 

Unlike trading for a superstar, a Bridges acquisition wouldn’t upset the current Knicks hierarchy or culture. Brunson would remain…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/mikal-bridges-could-ideal-final-184546500.html

Author : SNY

Publish date : 2024-03-27 18:45:46

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