How Big Could Knicks Go in Possible Trade for Nets’ Mikal Bridges?

The “Nova Knicks” could have even more of a Villanova feel after this offseason if one prediction pans out. While it’s widely believed that the Knicks will once again go big-game hunting in pursuit of another star to pair up with Jalen Brunson and a strong core, who better than another former Wildcat?

Enter Mikal Bridges.

Mikal Bridges could be a perfect fit with the Knicks alongside Jalen Brunson © Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

According to The Ringer’s Bill Simmons on the latest episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, he believes the Knicks want Bridges and are “willing to overpay.” This move, which was detailed by Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports, would add a fourth member to the Knicks’ Villanova crew which features Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo.

Bridges played three seasons at Villanova with both Brunson and DiVincenzo, while Hart was a Wildcat for two of those seasons.

The interesting aspect of this is the idea of the Knicks potentially being willing to overpay for Bridges, especially after finishing the 2023-24 season one game shy of the Eastern Conference Finals. Injuries derailed the team’s season, so there’s plenty of reason for optimism about the 2024-25 outlook and beyond.

All that said, Bridges would add another elite talent to the mix, and there’d be little question about his fit alongside Brunson, Hart and DiVincenzo, considering the history of the four players.

It’s hard to argue that any single star target could make more sense via trade than Bridges, but the big question is whether the Nets are actually willing to consider trading him. If so, don’t be surprised if the Knicks attempt to make a big move.