The New York Knicks are going for it. After making a big trade on Monday, they inked a key player to a large contract on Wednesday. The Knicks and OG Anunoby agreed to a five-year, $212.5 million contract.
Anunoby was obtained in a trade from the Toronto Raptors last season, helping the Knicks in the playoffs before he had to bow out due to injury. Anunoby was a critical defender in the playoff run. According to ESPN, Anunoby averaged 14.7 points and 4.2 rebounds last season.
Anunoby will be paid an average of $42 million per year.
Free agent F OG Anunoby intends to sign a five-year, $212.5 million contract to return to the New York Knicks, sources tell ESPN. Deal will include a player option and a trade kicker. pic.twitter.com/q5VcjOeryW
The New York Knicks have fully assembled the Nova Knicks. In a Monday night trade, the Knicks traded across the city to pull in Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. Bridges join his Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart.
The trade is a reset for the Nets, bringing in four unprotected first-rounders (2025, 2027, 2029, and 2031), a protected 2025 first-round pick via the Milwaukee Bucks, the Knicks’ unprotected 2028 pick swap, and a 2025 Brooklyn second-round selection.
More trades are expected ahead of and during the 2024 NBA Draft.
BREAKING: The Brooklyn Nets have agreed in principle on a trade to send F Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks for Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick via Bucks, an unprotected pick swap and a second-rounder, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/TEGsIpoa3b
The Knicks go deeper into the Villanova national championship roster — bringing Mikal Bridges to join his old teammates and close friends Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVencenzo. pic.twitter.com/G544CT02zI
The New York Knicks have fully assembled the Nova Knicks. In a Monday night trade, the Knicks traded across the city to pull in Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. Bridges join his Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart.
The trade is a reset for the Nets, bringing in four unprotected first-rounders (2025, 2027, 2029, and 2031), a protected 2025 first-round pick via the Milwaukee Bucks, the Knicks’ unprotected 2028 pick swap, and a 2025 Brooklyn second-round selection.
More trades are expected ahead of and during the 2024 NBA Draft.
BREAKING: The Brooklyn Nets have agreed in principle on a trade to send F Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks for Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick via Bucks, an unprotected pick swap and a second-rounder, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/TEGsIpoa3b
The Knicks go deeper into the Villanova national championship roster — bringing Mikal Bridges to join his old teammates and close friends Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVencenzo. pic.twitter.com/G544CT02zI
Brooklyn Nets star Mikal Bridges has revealed that he has eaten at Chipotle every day for the last decade. “[It’s] too fire to not have it every single time. It don’t disappoint,” Bridges told GQ. A decade of Chiptole takes Bridges back to his junior year of high school, which is some serious dedication. Bridges would have to travel 3.5 miles from his high school for Chipotle and about 2.4 miles from his college, Villanova.
Furthermore, Bridges revealed that he does try to keep his order healthy. The Nets star has a go-to order of a white rice, double chicken, salsa, corn, and lettuce bowl. However, Bridges also revealed that he has had to sacrifice the spice of the year because his taste buds can’t handle the heat anymore. “Rest in peace to the sauce,” he lamented.
However, something that Bridges doesn’t have a fondness for is the Nets’ load management. “Didn’t like the choice and whatever that was. But it’s whatever. Definitely was not a fan,” Bridges told the Post after he rested following the first period of the Nets’ recent game against the Bucks. The Nets rested several starters for large portions of the game. The Bucks won by 22 points, stomping the Nets 144-122. The Bucks scored 44 points in the fourth quarter alone as they ran away with an originally close game.
However, Bridges also insisted that his frustration had nothing to do with his ongoing iron man streak of consecutive starts. “I guess for their purposes is why. But I’m healthy, so I [don’t] see why I wouldn’t play. The streak is, I guess, for everyone else to talk about,” Bridges told the Post. “But I don’t just get in there for the streak. I get in there to play the game and because I want to go out there and win. I don’t go in there to just sub in, get the streak and whatever. I just want to play,” Bridges said.
Mikal Bridges, a name that resonates with basketball enthusiasts, has made significant strides in the NBA. As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, according to ClutchPoints, a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent on the basketball court.
Born on August 30, 1996, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mikal Bridges began making waves in the basketball world during his time at Great Valley High School. In his junior year, he averaged an impressive 20 points and eight rebounds per game. By his senior year, these numbers slightly adjusted to 18.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. His outstanding performance in high school earned him the title of First Team All-Class AAA.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 04: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats reacts in the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the 2016 NCAA Men’s Final Four National Championship game at NRG Stadium on April 4, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Bridges’ prowess on the court didn’t go unnoticed. He was considered a four-star recruit by ESPN and received offers from renowned college basketball programs. Ultimately, he chose to play for the Villanova Wildcats. During his tenure with the Wildcats, Bridges showcased his versatility and skill. In his first playing year, he averaged 12.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. This type of performance contributed significantly to Villanova’s NCAA national championship win. His final year with the Wildcats was particularly noteworthy, with averages of 22.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game. This performance earned him accolades like the Big East Tournament MVP and the Julius Erving Award.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 27: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns celebrates his dunk in the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on November 27, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The 2018 NBA Draft marked a significant milestone in Bridges’ career. Initially picked by the Philadelphia 76ers, he was soon traded to the Phoenix Suns. His rookie season with the Suns gave glimpses of his star potential, averaging 8.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Over the years, Bridges continued to improve, playing a pivotal role in the Suns’ journey to the NBA Finals in 2021.
Recognizing his contributions, the Suns rewarded Bridges with a four-year contract extension worth $90 million. In the 2021-22 season, he further solidified his position by averaging 14.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. This performance led to his recognition as an All-Defensive First Team player.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 15: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts after scoring during the second half against the Miami Heat at Barclays Center on February 15, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 116-105. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The 2022-23 season brought a new chapter for Bridges. He was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, where he quickly became one of the team’s cornerstones. In just 27 games with the Nets, Bridges averaged an astounding 26.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 16: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles during the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Barclays Center on March 16, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Beyond his earnings from the NBA, Bridges has also ventured into endorsements. One notable partnership is with Wealthsimple, a stock trading platform. Instead of a traditional cash payment, Bridges’ endorsement deal with Wealthsimple is believed to be paid through an investment portfolio worth $50,000.
Conclusion
Mikal Bridges’ journey from a high school basketball player to an NBA star is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication, skill, and continuous efforts have not only earned him recognition on the court but also a net worth that stands as a testament to his achievements. As he continues to play and grow in the NBA, fans and enthusiasts will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on this rising star.
The NBA has announced the 2021-22 All-Defensive Teams. The first team is highlighted by Boston Celtics guard and NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart. Joining Smart on the first team are Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. in the frontcourt. Joining Smart in the backcourt is Phoenix Suns guard Mikal Bridges.
The All-NBA Defensive second team was Milwaukee’s Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia’s Matisse Thybulle, Miami’s Bam Adebayo, Golden State’s Draymond Green, and Boston’s Robert Williams III.
Currently Adebayo, Smart, and Green are still playing in the Western Conference Finals. You can see the teams highlighted below.
The 2021-22 Kia NBA All-Defensive First Team:
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee) Mikal Bridges (Phoenix) Rudy Gobert (Utah) Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis) Marcus Smart (Boston) pic.twitter.com/YQgyjt9qSP
Bam Adebayo (Miami) Draymond Green (Golden State) Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee) Matisse Thybulle (Philadelphia) Robert Williams III (Boston) pic.twitter.com/UJiVcGMyUw
Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart of Boston and runner-up Mikal Bridges of Phoenix received the most voting points in balloting for the 2021-22 Kia NBA All-Defensive Team.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee)
