The New York Knicks have just signed their rising star, Mikal Bridges, to a massive new contract. Many are surprised by the size of the deal, but upon closer look, it seems that Bridges may have one person to thank for this opportunity – Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Let’s rewind back to the 2018 NBA Draft. Antetokounmpo, the young and talented forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, was a two-time All-Star and had already established himself as one of the best players in the league. However, during the draft, the Bucks made a trade that would have a ripple effect on Bridges’ career.
The Bucks selected Bridges with the 10th pick but then made a deal with the Phoenix Suns to send him to Arizona in exchange for the 16th pick, which turned out to be none other than Antetokounmpo’s younger brother, Kostas.
At the time, this trade seemed insignificant, with both Bridges and Kostas being relatively unknown rookies. But fast forward three years later, and things have turned out quite differently.
Mikal Bridges has proven to be a valuable asset to the Suns, starting in all 69 games last season and averaging 13.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. His defensive prowess earned him a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, and his elite 3-point shooting has made him a key player in the Suns’ lineup.
On the other hand, Kostas has struggled to find his footing in the league, spending most of his time in the G-League and making minimal appearances for the Bucks. This stark difference in their performance may have been a factor in the Bucks’ decision to not re-sign Kostas, making him a free agent in 2020.
This brings us back to Bridges’ new contract with the Knicks. The Knicks were in need of a talented wing player, and Bridges fit the bill perfectly. His impressive performance in the NBA Finals against the Bucks, where he averaged 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, caught the attention of the Knicks’ front office.
But it was not just Bridges’ skill and potential that sealed the deal. It was also the fact that he was indirectly linked to Antetokounmpo, the reigning NBA Finals MVP and one of the most dominant players in the league. Antetokounmpo’s impact in the league is undeniable, and being associated with him, even through a trade, carries weight.
It is not uncommon for players to indirectly benefit from being associated with superstars. Look at players like Klay Thompson, who only became an All-Star after playing alongside Stephen Curry, or Jimmy Butler, who credits his development to playing with the likes of Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.
In Bridges’ case, his path may have been different if not for the trade that sent him to Phoenix, where he was given the opportunity to showcase his skills and thrive in a young and talented Suns team. Antetokounmpo’s influence, whether it was intentional or not, has played a significant role in Bridges’ journey to becoming a highly sought-after player in the NBA.
Bridges’ new contract is not just a reward for his individual performance. It is also a testament to the success of the Suns’ organization and their ability to continuously develop young talent. This is a lesson that other teams, including the Knicks, can learn from – that sometimes, it’s not just about acquiring big-name players, but also about nurturing and investing in young, promising talents.
As Bridges begins this new chapter in his career, he can look back and thank Antetokounmpo for indirectly opening doors for him and laying the foundation for his success. The future is bright for the Knicks, and they have Antetokounmpo and Bridges to thank for it – a serendipitous connection that may lead to more success for both players in the years to come.
