Mikal Bridges Is Looking Like A Catastrophic Mistake For The Knicks

BusinessSportsMoneyMikal Bridges Is Looking Like A Catastrophic Mistake For The KnicksByBryan Toporek,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Bryan Toporek covers the NBA for Forbes Sports.Follow AuthorApr 24, 2026, 05:00am EDTATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 06: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter at State Farm Arena on April 06, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Getty ImagesIn July 2024, the New York Knicks traded five fully unprotected first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for a package headlined by Mikal Bridges. At the time, they were fresh off their second straight loss in the Eastern Conference semifinals.The Knicks made the Eastern Conference Finals last season for the first time in 25 years, which might make the deal defensible in and of itself. However, team owner James Dolan made it clear earlier this year that he had his sights set higher than that.At this rate, the Knicks might not even make it out of the first round.After beating the Atlanta Hawks by 11 points in Game 1, the Knicks blew a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter to lose by one in Game 2. The Hawks tried to return the favor in Game 3, but CJ McCollum hit a go-ahead jumper with 12 seconds left, and the Hawks held on by one point for the second straight game.Bridges had 11 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal in Game 1, but he struggled offensively with 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting (including 2-of-6 from deep) in Game 2. That's far better than what he did in Game 3. He was a complete non-factor.Bridges finished with more turnovers (four) than points (zero), rebounds (one), assists (two), steals (zero) and blocks (zero) combined. He also committed three foul...