It’s either a miracle or tampering and nothing in between. The Brooklyn Nets left everyone in the NBA world stunned with their Mikal Bridges trade. It wasn’t just any other trade, but a wholesome reunion. It’s not very often when we see four college mates play for the same NBA franchise. The Nets literally pulled it off by trading Bridges to the New York Knicks. However, Bam Adebayo and ball fans refused to believe that it was an organic trade, as they took a light-hearted dig.

Bam Adebayo, reacting to the trade, took to his X handle and wrote, “@jalenbrunson1 @joshhart y’all was tampering!” It didn’t stop there. The hoop nation rallied behind the Miami Heat star and went after Mikal Bridges. While some fans sided with the trade emotionally because of the reunion, others considered it lavish and hasty. Despite giving away Bridges, the Nets were considered to be having the upper hand as they received 5 first-round picks and an unprotected swap in return.

Following the trade, the Knicks have lost their bargaining power in the trade for the upcoming years. Considering the exchange of assets in the trade, it’s hard to think the other way around. However, moments later, Bridges responded to all the accusations, saying, “And y’all mfs really think i got pull like that lol please be fr,” with a crying emoji on his X handle.

Nevertheless, it’s hard to ignore the wholesomeness of the trade. It all started with Josh Hart when he got traded from the Pelicans to the Knicks ahead of the 2023 trade deadline. The reaction of Jalen Brunson responding to the update won the internet. Months later, the Knicks roped in Donte DiVincenzo ahead of the 2023-24, reuniting three Villanova teammates, leaving Bridges as the odd man out. It wouldn’t be surprising to say that the NBA world saw this trade coming, but not this soon.

How will Mikal Bridges fit the Knicks roster?

The Knicks have a lot of changes in the roster to make in the upcoming season. It’s a well-known fact that the Knicks had a lot of injury trouble and still managed to put up a great show. With Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson injured for the majority of the regular season, the team had to rely on the reserve center, Isaiah Hartenstein, for the big man’s duties. Fortunately, he turned out to be a surprise package, averaging 7.8 points and 8.3 rebounds.

This surprise element may force the Knicks to trade out Robinson and promote Hartenstein, as they appreciate his value in the contract extension. At the same time, star forward OG Anunoby, who came into the side ahead of the deadline, may also get an extension worth up to $30-$35 million.

So when Julius Randle and Anunoby return to the roster, Mikal Bridges (forward) will find it difficult to get a spot in the starting lineup. Moreover, with Josh Hart playing in the same position, Tom Thibodeau will have a tough task rotating his players in the upcoming season.

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.