Knicks' title odds shorten after Bridges trade
The Nets sent Mikal Bridges to the Knicks in exchange for five future first-round selections, a pick swap, and a second-rounder Tuesday night.
New York gave up a massive haul of picks for a guy who's never been an All-Star. But the Knicks aren't just paying for the caliber of player Bridges is - a borderline All-Star - but his fit into New York's puzzle, which now could hold the pieces to contend for a championship.
The Knicks justifiably jumped from +1600 to +1000 (9.1% implied probability) to win next year's championship and from +750 to +500 to win the Eastern Conference. They're tied for the fifth-best odds to win the title and second-best among East teams.
Bridges reunites with former college teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo - integral parts of the Knicks' rotation. The quartet won the 2016 national championship at Villanova.
Bridges is one of the league's best two-way wings. He averaged just under 20 points per game last season for the lowly Nets and played a key role in the Suns' 2021 Finals run.
The Knicks' injury-ravaged 2023-24 campaign ended in a Game 7 loss to the Pacers in the second round. Down multiple rotation pieces, including All-Star Julius Randle, New York's 50-win season and playoff run reinvigorated a starving fan base.
Aside from Bridges' immediate chemistry with his Villanova compadres, the six-year player brings durability to a group that struggled to stay healthy last season. Bridges has played 474 consecutive contests, the NBA's longest streak in the last 40 years. His grittiness perfectly identifies with the Knicks' culture.
The 27-year-old can create for himself as a primary option but also thrive in an off-ball role, which he'll frequently play alongside Brunson and Randle. He shot 38% on catch-and-shoot threes last season and 40% on corner threes.
Bridges' defensive versatility makes him unique. He's a shut-down wing defender capable of switching onto multiple positions. The Knicks' top-10 defense will take another step forward.
While most teams are far from complete with the draft and free agency on the horizon, the Knicks have the East's second-best rotation, behind the Celtics. And New York's lineup full of big, lengthy wings is designed to limit the defending champions' elite wing threats.
Fit is everything in a parity-driven NBA with stars dispersed throughout the league rather than joining forces on one team. Bridges is the perfect fit, warranting an odds leap.
However, New York's roster is far from finalized. The Knicks' odds assume OG Anunoby re-signs. This trade reportedly doesn't change the Knicks' plan to retain Anunoby and pair him with Bridges to assemble a daunting defensive duo.
But that's not entirely up to the Knicks. Anunoby is a free agent and will have plenty of suitors willing to pay significant money. Will Anunoby accept a potentially reduced role to stay with the Knicks? New York's championship hopes could depend on it.
If Anunoby walks, the Knicks' odds will lengthen. However, Bridges is better than Anunoby, so they'd still have improved from last season. He's more reliable, an offensive upgrade, and has better chemistry with his teammates. If Anunoby stays, which oddsmakers assume he will, the Knicks will be a formidable contender.
Bridges adds a new element, which boosts the Knicks from a feel-good story to a legitimate championship threat. New York finally pulled the trigger on a trade to swap its draft capital for a player who can get it over the hump. The odds and the eyes say Bridges is that guy, but the offseason is just beginning.
Sam Oshtry is a sports betting writer at theScore. You can follow him on X @soshtry for more betting coverage.