Coming into the 2024 NBA offseason, the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets have been involved in plenty of rumors. After their exit in the second round of the playoffs, New York will be looking for an upgrade to help cement their status as contenders.
Brooklyn is on the opposite end of the spectrum. They are likely closer to reloading and restocking the roster than contending. Last season, they finished in 11th place, four games out of the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Given the direction each franchise is heading in, could they come together on a blockbuster trade this offseason? Scott Davis of The Sporting News certainly believes so, as he pitched a proposal between the rivals.
In this deal, Mikal Bridges would be heading to the New York Knicks. In exchange, the Brooklyn Nets would receive Miles McBride, Bojan Bogdanovic and six first-round picks. Three are via the Knicks in 2024, 2026 and 2028. The others are via the Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Wizards in 2024 and 2025. The Wizards’ pick is top-10 protected.
This would be a huge trade for each team. For the Brooklyn Nets, this deal signals a true reset for the franchise. Without their first-round picks moving forward from the James Harden trade, they are in a tough spot. They received capital by trading away Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but they are stuck in no-man’s land currently.
General manager Sean Marks needs to pick a direction. Either cash in some of the assets they have to upgrade the roster and compete in the Eastern Conference. Or sell and collect more assets. In this scenario suggested by Davis, they sell and start a reset.
The New York Knicks would be unloading a large chunk of the draft capital they have accumulated in recent years, taking a swing on another Villanova product. With Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo already in the mix, Bridges makes for a natural fit.
New York would be loaded on the wing, presuming OG Anunoby is re-signed, giving them two elite 3-and-D players. DiVincenzo would likely shift back to the bench, giving the Knicks one of the best starting lineups in the NBA.
Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, Julius Randle and either Isaiah Hartenstein or Mitchell Robinson at center. Off the bench, DiVincenzo and Hart would lead the way with whatever veterans the team can sign in free agency to ring chase.
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