The New York Knicks are about to get on their championship run with their new Villanova alum-centered roster. They moved to the Conference Semi-finals last season against the Indiana Pacers. However, the injury woes put them down pulling down the whole team along with them. On the other hand, the addition of someone as versatile as Mikal Bridges will significantly affect the performance of the team. But above all, the chemistry on the floor that Josh Hart, Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Mikal Bridges will bring to the floor is impeccable. All of them are from the same college giving them an edge over making plays.

Even Mikal was quite happy with the fact that he got to reunite with his college buddies as he was tapped smiling with all of his teeth during the Knicks locker room tour. So, Josh Hart, being a longtime friend of Mikal, gave a hilarious response to Bridges’ locker-room tour reaction, stating, “DO NOT put his locker next to mine.” Both of them share a great bond. Yet Hart wanted to crack a humorous response for his friends’ welcome. Well, it is not the first time that Bridges and Hart are caught wisecracking each other.

Notably, On June 25, the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges from the Nets in exchange for a four-first-round pick[unprotected] and their small forward Bojan Bogdanovic. At first glance, it might seem a hefty deal for the Knicks. However, the Nets knew how much worth Mikal Bridges had accumulated with his performance in the last couple of years. He averaged 21.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game during his stint at the Nets. Also, his field goal percentage recorded an impressive 44.7%, while the shot percentage beyond the arc was 37.3%.

At first, it seems like a genuine trade, but you will be surprised to know that Bridges’ longtime friend Hart presented the offer for the first time!

Did Josh Hart ensure Mikal Bridges’ entrance to the New York Knicks?

Directly, it cannot be affirmed if Josh Hart had a big role in Bridges’ trade. However, their interaction on June 11 on Instagram suggested something else to the NBA community. Though it seemed like a friendly banter on the internet, the events that followed through suggested something else. Apparently, Hart posted images of himself being a guest analyst on ESPN’s NBA Countdown. Aftermath, the caption from Hart was quite humorous, reading, “Might quit my day job.” Actually, the 29-year-old shooting guard was hinting at a probable career switch.

However, his longtime friend Mikal Bridges turned to the comment section with his reply that read, “Are you coming to the Nets?” Even if that was jokingly, Hart immediately responded back to Bridges’ comment, “Are you okay? We’ll save you if they have you as a hostage—just blink.” It was more of a funny consolation rather than an invitation at that point. However, since Bridges is now a part of the Knicks, it looks like his friend Josh Hart was serious about it after all.

Planned or unplanned, Mikal Bridges is now together with his college buddies. It is the companionship that matters. And for the best of it, the Knicks have chosen a skilled as well as friendly option to up their game. Can this combo of Josh Hart and Mikal bring magic to the Knicks’ title chase?

Let us know in the comments. Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.