Mikal Bridges has had a promising start to his NBA career with the New York Knicks, but could it already be coming to an end? Rumors are circulating that the team may be looking to make a surprising move involving the young small forward.
According to Evan Sidery, a reputable NBA insider, the Knicks may be considering trading Bridges instead of signing him to a four-year contract extension. This news has sent shockwaves through the NBA community and has fans wondering what could be the reasoning behind such a move.
Bridges, who was selected 10th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, has shown great potential in his rookie season with the Knicks. He has become a valuable member of the team, averaging 7.5 points and 2.1 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 43.5% from the three-point line. His defensive prowess and ability to knock down outside shots have made him a fan favorite and a valuable asset to the Knicks.
So, why would the Knicks even consider trading away such a promising young player? One possible reason could be the team’s desire to make a big splash in free agency this summer. With the Knicks having enough cap space to sign two max-level players, they may be looking to clear some salary and make room for bigger names on their roster.
Another reason could be the Knicks’ desire to acquire a top draft pick in this year’s highly anticipated draft. With the potential to land a player like Zion Williamson or Ja Morant, the Knicks may be willing to part ways with Bridges in order to secure a higher pick.
It’s also worth noting that the Knicks are currently in a rebuilding phase and are looking to create a young, talented core for the future. While Bridges has shown potential, he may not fit into the Knicks’ long-term plans, making him a trade piece in their pursuit of building a championship-caliber team.
However, despite the rumors and speculations, nothing is set in stone yet. The Knicks have not made any official statements regarding Bridges’ future with the team, and it’s possible that he could still be a part of their plans moving forward. In fact, some believe that the Knicks may be using these rumors as leverage in contract negotiations with Bridges, as they have until October 15th to sign him to an extension.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is for sure – Bridges has proven himself to be a valuable player in the NBA. With his combination of shooting, defense, and potential for growth, he is a player that any team would be lucky to have. Whether he stays with the Knicks or is traded to another team, Bridges is sure to make a significant impact on the court.
In conclusion, while the rumors of the Knicks potentially trading Mikal Bridges may come as a surprise to many, it’s important to remember that they are just rumors at this point. The Knicks have a lot of options and decisions to make this offseason, and Bridges’ future with the team is just one of them. No matter what happens, one thing is certain – Bridges has a bright future ahead of him in the NBA.