It’s been five years since Mikal Bridges walked off the court in disappointment after the Phoenix Suns lost Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Now, Bridges finds himself one win away from finishing the job with the New York Knicks, as they are up 3-1 against the San Antonio Spurs with three chances to clinch.
It’s been a long journey for Bridges, who is about to wrap up his eighth season in the NBA. Just two seasons after helping the Suns reach the Finals, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a package for Kevin Durant, moving him to NYC.
That’s where Bridges’ career really began to take off as he averaged 21.2 points per game in 109 games across two seasons with the Nets. His value grew exponentially, so when the Nets found themselves in need of a reset, they traded him to the Knicks for five future first-round picks.
Since the trade, many have criticized the deal, saying the Knicks gave up too much for someone who likely won’t see an All-Star game in his career. He ranks fourth on the Knicks in scoring behind Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, but he brings more value to the team than scoring.
Bridges’ defense, consistency and toughness are why the Knicks traded their entire future. They had a championship in mind when they made the trade, and the prophecy can be fulfilled if they can win one more.
If the Knicks can win the championship, the trade will be forever justified and Bridges’ long quest for a ring will come to an end.
