Knicks Bridges OG

Knicks Trade for Bridges & Re-Sign OG: The Salary Cap

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NBA

In an offseason that has reshaped the landscape of the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks have emerged as a franchise transformed. Under the guidance of GM Leon Rose, the team has made audacious moves by trading for Mikal Bridges and re-signing of OG Anunoby.

These acquisitions not only elevate the Knicks’ competitive edge, but also underscore their commitment to building a defensively formidable and offensively versatile team. With these moves, the New York Knicks’ championship aspirations have transitioned from hopeful dream to tangible objective. Fans are witnessing a pivotal moment in the franchise’s trajectory.

Trade for Mikal Bridges

I thought this news was fake when I first saw it. I never thought Brooklyn would cooperate. The Knicks draft pick hoarding paid off in spades, acquiring Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets and getting this deal done without losing a piece of the core. 

Bridges is known for his robust performance and consistency. He completes a wing matchup nightmare, now paired with OG. Having not missed a single game since his debut, fans are ready for his reliability.

Bridges is set to replace Donte DiVincenzo in the starting lineup, bringing excellent size and a wingspan that promises to bolster the Knicks’ defensive and offensive plays. His ability to shoot 38.5 percent on catch-and-shoot threes complements the Knicks’ offensive strategies, but he offers so much more. Bridges’ adaptability and skill set are expected to blend seamlessly, as he’s very familiar with his college teammates. 

Re-Signing OG Anunoby

They didn’t even give the rest of the NBA a chance. OG Anunoby’s commitment to the New York Knicks was solidified with a monster five-year, $212.5 million deal. This deal makes him the fourth highest SF in the NBA.  There was no way the Knicks could let him go knowing that he was getting max offers elsewhere. It would be a major blow to all of the momentum they have been building. 

Since arriving from Toronto, OG has been instrumental in transforming the Knicks’ gameplay. His defense will be beloved come playoff time next year. If he can stay healthy, he is a weapon on both ends. His impact is more than the box score, as the Knicks had a 20-3 record in the games he played during the regular season.

He is willing to match up to anyone defensively, and it will be needed to take down the defending NBA Champion Boston Celtics. With that, his offensive game still has tremendous room for growth. Despite social media saying it’s an overpay, wait how this contract will look when the new TV deals hit.

Cap Space and Financial Considerations

This is where it gets tricky, and the art of being a GM will be on display. The Knicks face a complex financial landscape heading into the 2024-25 NBA season. The final pieces to what has already been assembled. With six players under fully guaranteed contracts, totaling $102.5 million, the Knicks have limited flexibility under the projected $172 million luxury cap threshold. Mikal Bridges’ existing contract, which brings the total committed salary to approximately $140 million, further complicates the situation.

First and Second Apron Impact

Navigating the NBA’s salary cap aprons presents a significant challenge for teams. After the trade adjustments, the team’s active salary stands at $132.65 million, potentially pushing them close to the first apron limit of $178.66 million. The Knicks must carefully manage their payroll to utilize the non-taxpayer midlevel exception worth $12.9 million, which is only available if they stay under this first apron. Exceeding this threshold would severely limit their financial maneuvers and ability to strengthen the roster. In efforts to maintain financial flexibility, the Knicks might explore trading up in the draft or adjusting player contracts to stay below critical salary caps. The second apron set at nearly $190 million provides slightly more leeway, giving the Knicks about $55 million to work with before hitting the hard cap, assuming strategic financial adjustments are made.

Re-Signing Challenges

The Knicks’ ambition to retain key players like OG Anunoby now provides an obstacle to retain Isaiah Hartenstein. Anunoby’s expected salary of at least $35 million, and Hartenstein’s potential $16.2 million starting salary, would push the Knicks’ payroll to critical limits. Strategies to manage this include potentially trading players such as Mitchell Robinson to save approximately $14 million, which could help accommodate Hartenstein’s salary under the hard cap.

The Bench

The Knicks’ bench depth is now full of men who have an abundance of playoff experience. Josh Hart, previously a starter, will now lead the bench unit, providing robust defense and reliable scoring off the bench. Hart has been a dynamic player capable of filling multiple roles. His rebounding, defense, and ability to score make him the perfect sixth man. Coming off the bench, Hart can maintain the defensive intensity and provide pace attacking the basket for easy buckets, which is crucial for sustaining leads. 

Donte DiVincenzo set a franchise record with 283 three-pointers made last season. His chemistry with Bridges from their collegiate days at Villanova will translate into a fluid and efficient bench offense. As a player who thrives off the ball, DiVincenzo can create spacing and will continue to be a flamethrower off the bench. This reliable scoring who can keep the offense flowing was absent at times in this past playoffs. DiVincenzo’s shooting and Hart’s ability to drive to the basket ensure there will be no “No Brunson” minutes. 

Matchup Nightmares

Miles “Deuce” McBride will likely see a solidified role with the bench unit. Fans loved what how he stepped up down the stretch of last season and in the playoffs. Known for his defensive prowess, McBride can guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses. His development as a playmaker and scorer will be critical for the Knicks’ second unit. I can see him becoming more of utility guard, and not as a true point guard of the second unit. I see the Knicks targeting a veteran PG at the league minimum. 

The versatile skill sets of Hart, DiVincenzo, and McBride allow Coach Tom Thibodeau to mix and match lineups based on matchups. This flexibility will be pivotal in adapting to different opponents and in-game situations. Solidifying the wing starters already provided the Knicks’ upgraded bench depth they needed. With Hart and Donte willing to come off the bench they have a championship rotation. In the playoffs, where rotations tighten and every possession counts, having a reliable and dynamic bench can be the difference between advancing and exiting early.

Impact of New Draft Picks

The New York Knicks made strategic selections in the 2024 NBA Draft. It was hard to track as it didn’t come without Leon Rose wheeling and dealing. The notable picks fans need to know are Pacome Dadiet at No. 25 overall in the first round and Tyler Kolek at No. 34 in the second round. Dadiet, a 6-8 forward from France, is known for his athleticism, shot-creation skills, and defensive potential. Kolek, a point guard from Marquette, led college basketball in assists, showcasing elite playmaking and passing vision. Kolek has a unique opportunity as the Knicks seek a solidified backup to Jalen Brunson as of right now. The need for secondary ball-handler will make all the difference for a stellar second unit. 

A Buzz in New York

Even before Free Agency starts, the Knicks have unmistakably declared their championship ambitions. The acquisition of Mikal Bridges and the retention of OG Anunoby is a breathe of fresh air for Knicks fans. For the first time, fans can trust the intuition and tactical acumen of the Front Office. The narrative of the offseason has been one of deliberate restructuring, now focused on polishing the rest of the roster while trying to retain Isaiah Hartenstein. These future maneuvers will further continue the Knicks progress as a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. Now fans are onto July to see if Leon Rose can continue the growing excitement in New York. 

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