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[Saba Sports News] On Tuesday, the New York Knicks acquired the final component of their Villanova strategy, trading for Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges. In exchange, the Knicks sent Bojan Bogdanovic and a substantial set of draft picks to the Nets. The trade, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, includes four unprotected first-round picks, one protected first-round pick from the Milwaukee Bucks, an unprotected pick swap, and a second-round pick.
This move reunites Bridges with his former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo, who were key players in the Knicks’ recent postseason. Bridges, Brunson, Hart, and DiVincenzo all contributed to Villanova’s 2015-16 national championship win, with Bridges also part of the 2017-18 title-winning team.
The acquisition of Bridges, who has been a significant player for the Nets, averaging 19.6 points per game last season, required the Knicks to offer a hefty package to their crosstown rivals. This trade marks the culmination of efforts that started when the Knicks signed DiVincenzo last offseason, with Hart reportedly playing a role in recruiting Bridges.
With this trade, the Knicks have essentially reassembled the core of Villanova’s basketball team from 2015 to 2018. Given this trend, one might wonder if the Knicks are considering reaching out to NCAA tournament legend Kris Jenkins next.