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On Tuesday, the New York Knicks completed a blockbuster deal to acquire Brooklyn Nets star wing Mikal Bridges. Afterward, reports emerged suggesting that Bridges helped orchestrate the deal. However, he promptly debunked the rumors.
Bridges has long been connected to New York. The team features three of his former Villanova Wildcats college basketball teammates, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo. Meanwhile, the Knicks have reportedly been angling to make a move for a big-name player.
While it was previously reported that Brooklyn planned to retain Bridges, it ultimately accepted its crosstown rival's latest draft pick-heavy offer.
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Nets received "four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick via [the Milwaukee] Bucks, an unprotected pick swap and a second-rounder." They also landed veteran sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanovic.
Shortly after, SNY's Ian Begley reported that the deal "came together quickly after Bridges informed the Nets that he wanted to be a Knick." Begley added that "Bridges was prepared to sign with New York, and his side was prepared to use that leverage to keep other teams from trading for him."
However, according to Bridges, that is far from the case. Hours after Begley's report, he took to X/Twitter, scoffing at the notion that he had enough influence to force a trade to his preferred destination.
"Y'all MFs really think I got pull like that? LOL, please be for real," Bridges said.
That aligns with Bridges' initial X reaction to the trade, appearing surprised to see it go down.
"This is crazy, LOL," Bridges said.
Regardless, Bridges is reunited with his close friends and joins a competitive Knicks squad coming off a seven-game Round 2 playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers. He will look to help the franchise take another step next season and make its first Eastern Conference finals appearance since 2000.
Also Read: 5 ways in which Mikal Bridges improves the Knicks
Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart react to Knicks acquiring Mikal Bridges
Mikal Bridges wasn't the only one seemingly surprised by his move to New York. Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart also took to X after the trade, reacting in apparent disbelief and excitement.
"OMG," Brunson said.
"YOOOOO, Mikal Bridges, FINALLY HIT MY LINE!!!!!," Hart said.
The trio, along with Donte DiVincenzo, guided Villanova to the 2016 national championship, creating a lifetime bond. Bridges, Brunson and DiVincenzo later secured a second title with the Wildcats in 2018, one year after Hart was drafted into the NBA.
So, following Tuesday's trade, the Knicks' team morale appears extremely high amid the offseason's early stages. Excitement for the Villanova alumni quartet suiting up together with New York should only increase approaching next season.
