With Mikal Bridges joining the New York Knicks this season, the Villanova crew Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, and Bridges are back together. After their strong showing last season, things are looking pretty bright for New York. But ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst had some criticisms about their offseason moves and contracts on the Hoop Collective podcast, and it might not be music to Knicks fans’ ears.

“The Knicks Bridges trade works from a vibe standpoint and a fit standpoint. It was an extraordinarily high price that they paid for Mikal Bridges,” Windhorst said. The move was made so that Bridges would join forces with Jalen Brunson to strengthen their Villanova connection and build a solid squad around Brunson. While Bridges’ game fits well with the Knicks, Windhorst believes that the $90 million is a steep price for a player who isn’t transformational. However, the trade is part of a bigger plan that also factors in Brunson’s extension.

Additionally, the analyst warned the Knicks about the $210 million contract extension for OG Anunoby. “I understand why they paid OG Anunoby what they paid him. I don’t think that’s necessarily a great contract.” Windhorst said. Even though the team re-signed OG Anunoby to a five-year, $212 million max contract as part of their strategy and to form one of the best defensive wing combinations in the NBA with Bridges, Windhorst believes this decision might come back to haunt them in the future.

The Knicks have invested $302.5 million in two players following Jalen Brunson’s $113 Million sacrifice. Was this move the right and will it benefit the Knicks?

“Knicks are a contender” – Can the Villanova chemistry work?

If we look at the playoff series between the Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers, the strong chemistry among the three Villanova alums was a huge factor in ensuring a Knicks win. Adding Mikal Bridges, a former Villanova alum, could further bolster their chemistry.

“You know when OG’s in the lineup, the Knicks had this amazing record. You know when he is healthy, the Knicks are a contender,” co-host Tim MacMahon said, “The response to that is, he ain’t healthy that often enough. ” Last season, OG Anunoby got injured in the Knicks’ series against Indiana pacers during the third game, and sadly the Knicks lost and were eliminated from the playoffs.

But on the bright side, Anunoby and Bridges can both shoot threes and help the Knicks team defensively. How well this duo will work together can only be answered once the season starts. What are your thoughts on them?

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”