NBA analyst blasts the Knicks for overpaying for star after sluggish start

The New York Knicks are just 4-4 to start the 2024-25 season, and while it's still early, not everyone has been impressed by one of their big-name additions.

Mikal Bridges was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in a deal that included five first-round picks, a massive haul for a borderline all-star. Bridges isn't a traditional star, but his shooting offensive, terrific defense, and impressive durability made him a no-brainer add for the Knicks.

However, he is the Knicks' third option and the Ringers' Bill Simmons recently questioned if they are better off having given up so many assets for him.

Entering the season, there was concern about Bridges' reworked shooting form. His shooting of 38.3% from three has helped to quiet those concerns.

Be that as it may, he is averaging a merely respectable 16.3 points and 3.1 rebounds while he hasn't had the same impact defensively that many expected. The Knicks are humming on offense, ranking fifth in offensive rating but 26th in defensive rating with them relying on players such as Bridges and OG Anunoby to help them on that end.

Bill Simmons blasts the Knicks for overpaying for Mikal Bridges after their slow start.

It is still early, and the Knicks probably aren't going to be a bottom-five defensive team all season. If they are, then that puts a clear ceiling on their championship hopes, with most great teams being in the top 10 on both ends of the floor. Bridges being a third option is fine considering who the first two options are, Jalen Brunson and Karl Anthony-Towns.

That was probably his ideal role given his skillset. On the other hand, teams don't normally have to give up five firsts to acquire a third option. Often times that player is developed, added in free agency, or in a less massive trade where they aren't forced to give up most of their war chest.

Then again, there seems to have been a dramatic increase in the number of draft picks moved in trades in recent years. The Paul George trade that sent him from Oklahoma City to the LA Clippers cost them five firsts and a then recent lottery in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Yes, the New York Knicks overpaid for Mikal Bridges but that misses the point.

The Minnesota Timberwolves also had to give up five firsts to acquire Rudy Gobert and the Atlanta Hawks had to give up three firsts and an unprotected pick swap to acquire Dejounte Murray. When comparing the Bridges trade to those, it makes a bit more sense.

Especially with him being younger than two of those players and on a far cheaper contract that pays him more like a high-level role player than a star, allowing the Knicks to more easily trade for him. Getting him was the most important part and overpaying to ensure that they did when other teams had interest.

Ultimately, while the Knicks overpaid for Bridges, they knew the player that they were getting when they traded for him. Whether the deal is remembered favorably will depend on how the Knicks perform in the playoffs, however.