Knicks predicted to cut ties with Mikal Bridges, acquire $175 million 10-time All-Star

The New York Knicks are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals after Cleveland’s 125-94 Game 7 second-round win over Detroit on Sunday night.

Many have predicted the Knicks will take care of business against the Donovan Mitchell-led Cavaliers squad and advance to play either the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. 

If New York fails to win a championship this year, the organization will have plenty of roster-bolstering trade targets to choose from when the offseason arrives. One of those targets is a 10-time All-Star forward seeking a change of scenery.

From Fansided’s Christopher Kline’s vantage point, the Knicks may have to include Mikal Bridges in a trade package for the 31-year-old two-time MVP.

“The Knicks probably won't trade Karl-Anthony Towns after this postseason run, which means Milwaukee (Bucks) is looking at Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby as the cornerstones of a return package (for Giannis Antetokounmpo),” Kline wrote Saturday. 

“Both are clearly impactful performers in the playoffs, and with the new anti-tanking measures about to take effect (and no ownership over their upcoming first-round picks), the Bucks don't have an incentive to bottom out in the standings.”

“That said, the Bridges contract is a tough sell, and the Knicks aren't able to trade any picks (beyond this year's No. 24 selection) outright. Just swaps in the 2030s, which could be worth something. But it's also New York, and the Knicks typically don't struggle to attract marquee talent.”

Kline’s full trade proposal would send Bridges, OG Anunoby, the No. 24 pick, and 2030, 2032, and 2033 first-round pick swaps to the Bucks for Antetokounmpo. 

Moving on from Bridges would be a tough pill to swallow. The Villanova product is arguably the best three-and-D perimeter asset on the Knicks’ roster, and has played an integral role in helping New York reach the ECF for the second consecutive season. 

Bridges is averaging 13.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.0 steals per game in the postseason, shooting 59.3% from the field and 36.7% from beyond the arc.

Still, a desperation trade for A do-it-all, championship-winning forward in Antetokounmpo could result in New York ending Bridges’ stint with the Knicks sooner than expected.

More NBA news:

• Warriors, Knicks, Cavaliers named top landing spots for $101 million Lakers superstar

• Warriors predicted to make NBA-altering sign-and-trade for $101 million Lakers 22-time All-Star

• Lakers predicted to cut ties with Dalton Knecht, acquire $175 million two-time MVP