KNICKS, NETS DO A BRIDGES BLOCKBUSTER!

The New York Knicks acquired guard/forward Mikal Bridges, forward/guard Keita Bates-Diop and guard Juan Pablo Vaulet from the Brooklyn Nets for forward Bojan Bogdanovic, guard Shake Milton, forward/center Mamadi Diakite, a first-round draft pick in 2025, a protected first-round draft pick in 2025, a first-round draft pick in 2027, the right to swap first-round draft picks in 2028, a first-round draft pick in 2029 and a first-round draft pick in 2031.

What does it give the New York Knicks
The Knicks are really gunning for the Celtics with this trade. New York enjoyed a lot of success in 2023-24, but ultimately fell short of their goal of winning a championship for the first time since 1973. Enter Bridges, a dynamic wing who should provide a lot of what was missing in New York: athleticism and scoring chops. Bates-Diop brings more versatility and depth to the squad, while Vaulet is an International player who will likely stay away from the NBA. This is a great trade for New York, albeit a costly one.

What does it give the Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are deciding to go in full rebuilding mode here after trading their best player. That said, this is an amazing haul! They added Bogdanovic, a solid veteran who may or may not be a part of this retool. Milton is a decent depth combo guard, while Diakite is still a project. More importantly, Brooklyn is receiving five firsts and a pick swap in '28. Wow! With this trade, the Nets are putting themselves in position to (eventually) return to contention. They are taking a page from the OKC playbook.

Fantasy impact
Bridges' fantasy value might take a dip moving to New York, since there are more mouths to feed with the Knicks. The offense runs through point guard Jalen Brunson, so do not overrate Bridges on draft day. Bates-Diop, Milton and Diakite are not fantasy options at this time, while Bogdanovic is now in a tough situation on the rebuilding Nets. He may be moved again.