The Knicks finally pulled the trigger on a blockbuster trade by swapping out five first-round picks for Mikal Bridges on Tuesday night.
It was the shocker of the summer (at least thus far), the first trade negotiated by the Knicks and Nets since Len Elmore went from New Jersey to New York in 1983.
The Post’s Stefan Bondy answers five important questions about the deal:
Q: Why did the Knicks do this?
A: First, Mikal Bridges is the type of plug-and-play wing that every team covets.
He upgrades the defense, helps mask Jalen Brunson’s defensive deficiencies on the perimeter and adds depth to a rotation that ran out of healthy bodies in the playoffs.
Bridges is a minutes-eater.
And the Knicks needed a minutes-eater to get through a season after their three best players — Brunson, Julius Randle, OG Anunoby — all underwent surgery.
They’re fighting an uphill arms race against the Celtics.
Just as important, it seems, is that the Knicks discovered the power of chemistry through college friendships and they’re leaning into it.
Perhaps this will even help push Brunson to sign his extension this summer.
Q: What does this mean for OG Anunoby?
A: I still expect the Knicks to re-sign him.
They own his Bird Rights and can exceed the cap to re-sign him, even going as high as a max deal if necessary (though I don’t think it will be).
Remember, the Knicks sacrificed a lot to get Anunoby (RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley) so they don’t want to lose him for nothing.
He’s also a versatile defender — capable of guarding 1 thru 5 — so the addition of Bridges won’t push Anunoby out of the lineup.
Q: Is this too high a price?
A: Probably. But it’s the cost of going for it.
Bridges, while a borderline All-Star, showed he’s probably best as the No. 3 on a team like he was in Phoenix.
He’ll recreate that role in New York behind Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
He’s also extremely durable, and availability is something worth paying for in today’s NBA.
When I say he never misses a game, it’s not an exaggeration.
His consecutive games played streak is impressive in the load management era.
Plus, his contract is team-friendly and tradeable if necessary.
However, the Knicks leave themselves open to criticism if they’re now unable to afford a better star if or when he becomes available.
Q: Who is taken out of the starting lineup for Bridges?
A: Assuming Anunoby and Randle return, the logical move is for Donte DiVincenzo to move back to the bench.
That’s where he started last season, although he was much better as a starter.
We have to wait and see what other moves are made before the season begins, but, just based on what happened Tuesday, DiVincenzo will see reduced minutes and opportunities.
Q: Seriously, does this mean Jay Wright?
A: That would be the second Villanova shocker this summer, and that would be even more shocking than Mikal Bridges jumping over the river.
Tom Thibodeau is expected to return but we keep waiting for news about his extension.
Perhaps the Knicks were prioritizing this massive trade first. I’m sure Wright is a tremendous coach.
But it would be silly to remove Thibodeau from this team.
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