Mikal Bridges is PERFECT fit with Knicks after Nets trade, NY better than Celtics? | Hoops Tonight

Jason Timpf reacts to the New York Knicks' massive trade with the Brooklyn Nets for Mikal Bridges. Did New York overpay for Bridges or is he worth the price to be reunited with Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart following their time together with Villanova. Later, Jason reacts to the Oklahoma City Thunder trading with the Chicago Bulls for Alex Caruso and how that will impact last season's #1 seed in the West as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and co. look to elevate to a championship-caliber team.
Timeline:
00:00 - Introduction
00:52 - Did Knicks overpay for Mikal Bridges?
03:21 - How Bridges fits on offense
06:55 - Why Knicks offense will massively elevate
13:58 - Impact on Knicks defense
15:45 - Why Jason loves this trade
16:44 - How Knicks match up with Celtics
18:38 - What will Knicks do from here?
19:52 - What happens to Julius Randle?
22:37 - Alex Caruso to Thunder
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#nba #knicks #newyorkknicks #brooklynnets #nets #jalenbrunson #mikalbridges #joshhart #dontedivincenzo #knicksbasketball #knicksnation #nbadraft #nbaplayoffs #nbafinals #nbahighlights #nbabasketball #basketball #sports #trade

[@jaydenrossi2094]

ur sleeping way too hard on randle he sets people up for catch n shoots so good

[@SuperEliteLegends]

I feel like we forgetting Randle was ALL NBA lol cmon

[@Faro-]

Also, at first look it seems like the Knicks overplayed like crazy, but all 4 of those unprotected picks they gave Brooklyn will be in the range of pick 20-30 every single year

[@BKLYN_MADE_ME]

Exactly, everybody is acting like we gave the Nets top 5 picks. The picks are all gonna be between 20-30, and meanwhile, we may have gotten the last piece to a championship. Hahahaha

[@DeCoededSports]

Exactly. It would be one thing if we played in the West where the depth is so crazy that an injury could very well drop you out of the top 10. But in the East the Knicks aren’t finishing higher than 6th in any worst case scenario

[@sindilacion]

There are unprotected picks in 2031 and 2029. That's a very long time to assume something won't go wrong. It's an overpay

[@garethknowles1008]

@@sindilacionit’s a 5 year plan

[@kirandarai8534]

That's what every team that trades their picks thinks in the moment

[@orrinfullerton4933]

Divo is their 3rd best shot creator? Why the hell are you just dismissing Randle in this analysis. They were 23-3 with Randle and OG. This is analysis malpractice

[@brandonaniceto2845]

I understand the criticism if this was last year. I know he also played terribly his first like 10 games. But I saw him make a HUGE turnaround when December rolled along and yeah he looked awesome with OG there, I'm confident that he will fit well with this team and it hurt when he lost him. As long as he takes smarter shots (Wide open threes) and bully ball inside...he draws double teams that way. Everyone's 3 pt percentage went up when he was on the floor if you look up the advanced stats on that.

[@nasirbelay5679]

bruh randle dead trash let ts go 😂

[@Imhenbob]

I don’t agree with your assessment of looking to move Randle Knicks definitely need that scoring pop to relieve Brunson some. He is a flawed player but much needed imo.

[@davidzucca9946]

Lol, great timing on the video! 30 mins before even more Knicks news drops!

[@KobusPrinsloo]

Love the clipboard addition!

[@Lekker4Ya]

Loved the Clipboard Breakdowns. Thank you 🙏

[@orrinfullerton4933]

Why do you talk about Randle like he's just some ancillary piece and not a two time all NBA player that is a key cog on this team?

[@justing4094]

Because he’s inefficient, aging, and a poor defensive player

[@therealdarrell282]

@@justing4094I agree. Randle’s basketball IQ is not that good. He takes bad shots and no way should he be taking 20 plus shots a game. He should be taking 13 shots a game and not having the ball in his hand. He stagnates the offense when you know he is going left and will crash into a crowd of defenses or he takes a step back fade away from 20 feet.

[@justing4094]

@@therealdarrell282 he’s going to take away from what they do best and will probably be dealt for spare parts at the deadline.. would be my guess

[@AJ_Jacks0]

@@therealdarrell282that was Randle a few years ago… Randle from this past season attacked the paint relentlessly and played ALOT smarter. It’s a shame that he has this stigma around him based on how he played before he had real help around him.

[@orrinfullerton4933]

@@justing4094 Did y'all not see how he played when OG was there? When you actually had shooters to surround him with..I agree he's an imperfect player. But answer me, who are you replacing his production with? I'm sorry guys, outside of brunson we have no true one on one shot creators. Bridge's and OG are not those one on one get a bucket dudes.

[@Colinkrauss1]

The price is fair, but not because of Mikal. It’s because of his contract. It’s because of the fit, he will add 5-10% performance to the other 4 on the court with him. It’s because of the chemistry. It’s because of the age. It’s because of the role he fills. It’s like paying three picks for Mikal, and a quarter of a pick for like seven other small but important factors.

[@oblivionpro69]

Mental gymnastics cope. Whatever keeps ya happy

[@Whyypreeeeeeeeee]

​@@oblivionpro69what chemistry? You mean when they were in college and they had no choice but to listen to the coach because they wanted to get to the NBA and had no ego? Who's starting? Who's going to the bench and getting less minutes now?

[@Colinkrauss1]

@@oblivionpro69 cope? I’m not a Knicks fan lmao. It’s just an acceptable deal that people went bonkers about. Especially now that OG is signed. You do this 100 times out of 100.

[@2216sammy]

@@oblivionpro69 It's called basic common sense something that you don't have apparently .

[@procopiomacaspac3087]

Knicks fans: mikal is one of the more durable player in the nba. Coach Tom: let's find out shall we?

[@eddievangundy4510]

And that is the only potential problem. Thibs still doesn't give it a rest.

[@Kidkinsey]

Mikal isn't that far removed from being a dpoy candidate Never gets hurt Good cutter and shooter CHEMISTRY this was a great deal who cares about the picks that are worrying about their summer homework right now

[@JPT23521]

Mikal? in the same sentence of a DPOY candidate??? 😂

[@BladimirRivas-rh1ty]

@@JPT23521As a Celtics fan, Mikal absolutely one of the best defenders in the NBA.

[@Kidkinsey]

@JPT23521 yes... look it up

[@aneesb794]

You thought u cooked 😅​@@JPT23521

[@Righteous210]

Top level breakdown of Knicks trade.

[@herbalescent71]

Jason, the one caveat you're MISSING here is that the Knicks & Nets are crosstown rivals in NY (think Clippers & Lakers). They haven't done a deal since the 80's!!! NO ONE thought it would be possible for these two NY teams to do business on any level. Only way BKLYN was even entertaining this... was an overpay in the form of all of those picks, IMO- don't think it's exclusive of MB

[@craiggrenfell3109]

Hart and Donte on the bench along with Precious, McBride, etc just makes the Knicks look phenomenal with a fantastic starting 5 (even if the lose Hartenstein)

[@efroeli]

I approve of the clip board!

[@Faro-]

With OG, the Knicks match up extremely well with Boston

[@Christopher._M]

I think they are better if they keep OG and sign a good center.

[@deanchase7904]

Bring it

[@ryancampbell4801]

No they don't lolol

[@marvelousllama6880]

They'll match up well defensively but offensively Boston will also be able to give them problems, with switching and guard/wing play.I think a healthy Porzingis is really the difference maker being able to post up and take care of mismatches to a level the Knicks cannot. He is also able to space the floor 5 out better than the Knicks can with whatever combination or lhart or Mitchell they end up with. It would be a competitive series no doubt.

[@robertlittle-yk4vg]

Knicks will choke like always

[@SD-gy4eu]

Randle plays bully ball, and can be a playmaker. That bully ball player in the post is actually EXACTLY what the Knicks need. The problem with Randle is mental. He’s not a clutch player, he doesn’t always get back on defense. So you have to worry will he mess with the identity of the team.

[@tonytooshort]

Randle's value is as high as it'll ever be. He's a young, surefire 20 and 10 guy. We should flip him immediately for a mobile big who can pass/shoot and some good role players.

[@dee-xm5fn]

MAILBAG: my buddies were having an argument on whether or not caruso should start over dort. i’m of the belief that dort would be better in their drive and kick offense than caruso. but caruso on some nights may be on the floor in closing lineups over dort just because of his knack to make winning plays. also my buddy feels like chet is best with this group at the 5 but i feel they should look at him at the 4. what are your thoughts?

[@Geep1778]

Not an over pay but just about right for both teams to feel comfortable with the deal. Knicks Got the top role-play in the league who was super efficient and effective next to Booker. Then they signed the other top role player in OG so we are looking sharp going forward. No bridges isn’t your typical 1a superstar, which usually fetches a hall like this, but his fit with the rest of the Knicks makes the team 1 A as a whole. Chemistry is everything.. the Nets did well To maximize value before bridges demanded a trade, which would’ve had them getting less. Win win in my book and damn I can’t believe it’s gonna be us 😁😁 can’t fkin wait!

[@kcalnek]

It was an overpay… but so was the trade for Gobert 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@senrak6877]

Every time you and Colin talked about the Knicks getting a star I would comment asking why aren’t you talking about Mikel

[@Hollisty]

Yooo wtf are talking about Donte is going to the bench 😂😂😂😂

[@reecewilliams8349]

He definitely is. Mikal will start at 2, anunoby at 3 and randle at the 4.

[@Burdascoobsti]

@@reecewilliams8349not in the modern era lol

[@Burdascoobsti]

He probably starting

[@Burdascoobsti]

@@reecewilliams8349wouldn’t be enough ball handling with him at the 2

[@reecewilliams8349]

@@Burdascoobsti rankle mikal and og can handle with brunson that's plenty

[@808bAler]

OG deal is on the docket. Randle is a throwback to the early 2000's and doesn't, in my opinion, fit on the team as presently constructed. I'd look to move him to re-sign Harkenstein. The team that just played in the Playoffs proved the Knicks don't need Randle as much as they need a versatile power forward, like say Lauri Markkanen.

[@Jz115zombies]

Great take. Keeping Randle would be the worst move possible from here.

[@Csuarezftw]

As someone who grew up in NYC & then we to college in Tucson I would LOVE to see Lauri in a NYK uniform! I completely agree that this playoff run truly demonstrated just that!

[@Radioghost717]

It’s a legit take, but Randle deserves a chance to be on the team if they are about to make a run. He came here before it was a place ppl wanted to play, and him, JB and OG were playing amazing together. I’d like to see him have a chance to run it back with the Knicks just for loyalty. He’s a 25 and 10 guy and Thibs loves him.

[@fabo0913]

Lauri is overrated on a bad team who's soft in the paint(pause) & spends as much time missing games from injury as OG does.

[@orrinfullerton4933]

Honest question. Did you watch all the games when Randle and OG played together?

[@taylor7264]

Cs will do to Brunson what they did too Luka. Prob w more post ups tho.

[@yump6429]

The East is going to be much harder next season. Knicks Villanova powerhouse. Healthy Bucks with Dame more settled. Sixers have more capspace without Tobias Harris. Healthy Heat team. Cavs trading Garland for more depth.

[@Christopher._M]

The bucks are not going to be better. Dame one year older. Giannis has been having issues with his knees and has been dropping defensively for 2 years. Lopes and Middleton are also old and one year older. The bucks need to trade everything in my opinion

[@roymarthkirby428]

Bucks are too good of an org with such a determined leader in Giannis to not play well especially in a bounceback season. Dame was going through hell moving away from home while going through custody issues yet he stayed supportive of his team. Even with Doc as their coach you have to commend that they're making changes to improve. Casuals simplify ball to age and knee issues which most players have.

[@deanchase7904]

Celtic here....bring it

[@aswinnayak8147]

As a knicks fan, people extremely underestimate how tough pacers gonna be

[@thelastquincy1457]

​@@Christopher._Mlol yea in ur opinion. Because that opinion doesn't make anysense for anyone who actually watched the bucks this past year.

[@airdats]

Do you even watch the knicks? They have julius randle! Donte is moving to bench too.

[@chrisluthers2638]

With the Knicks acquiring Mikal Bridges, do you now have them as the second best team in the East? If so, who would you have as your top 4 teams in the East? Thanks and love the show!

[@75aces97]

Did anyone else think it was weird that Brooklyn didn’t get a 2024 pick in that trade? The draft was IN Brooklyn, they had no picks in it, and had a chance to get at least one FRP to work with, and they obviously want to get going on a rebuild.

[@AYjoy93]

This wasn’t a great draft

[@jaychestnut5149]

Mailbag: After this trade, and resigning OG before he hits free agency. I feel the only thing left to do on the to do list is see if you can upgrade the Julius Randle position. Who do you think is a better fit in New York with their nucleus Kyle Kuzma or Jerami Grant? Great job on the show and the content. I listen to you and the Nerds almost on the daily.

[@coopertodd28]

Julius when he’s focused is better than both.

[@donkeyeater6942]

Julio is is better than both

[@fabo0913]

I know you didn't just compare a 3x All Star & 2x All NBA players his prime that's one of like four players in the league to average 25-10-5 to Kyle Kuzma and Jerami fucking Grant💀

[@Murali_bala13]

Agreed ... Randle is such a horrendous negative in the playoffs....I would rather trade him for couple better fitting role players

[@Murali_bala13]

​@@fabo0913did you check his playoff #s....?.. One of the reasons the Knicks looked so good these playoffs is actually because of the absence of Randle.

[@jaychestnut5149]

Mailbag: If Houston is in the market of a big fish like a KD why wouldn’t u push your chips to the middle of the table for a younger star like D-Book, Donovan Mitchell, or even PG (on a shorter deal)?

[@taylor7264]

Hartenstein kills their spacing principles tho. I could see if he was on a great deal but he’s abt to get paid n idk if hes a guy the thunder would feature that heavily. I think ideally they’d like a ktowns/jjj/jcollins/jabari smith jr type guy esp if they’re gonna have to pay

[@shomarileary778]

Spacing principles? They couldn’t grab a rebound. And Hartenstein has more range than you’re giving him credit for

[@grindhousesports]

You forgot about Julius Randle

[@SP-dx7em]

OKC already offered I Hart over 200 mil so he gonna likely go there.

[@JonathanWoodall]

Prime Wiggins or Prime Mikal? I feel like they’re really similar but have different views because Wiggins had way bigger expectations

[@Burdascoobsti]

Mikal is 27 Wiggins 29

[@JonathanWoodall]

@@Burdascoobsti I guess I meant peak instead of prime because Wiggins clearly isn’t at his peak anymore.

[@johnmoran5]

Mailbag: Did you watch the JJ Redick press conference? I think he showed that he has the right mentality about taking the job and knows what he’s getting into, and still seemed very confident. His answers and charisma were very impressive in my option, I think he’ll be able to connect to the players well. Would love to hear your thoughts!

[@philipcross6733]

Is it an overpay. Yah probably. But I’m so happy we made it. A good fit and should be part of a core that wants to stay together for a while. And the Knicks have sucked for a long time. Go all in and give us 5 competitive years to see what happens. Who cares after.

[@NetsKingdom]

As a Nets fan someone who watched Mikal very closely he is not worth all those picks ..HE WAS NEVER OUR #1 option this year Cam Thomas was our #1 option …He’s not a good iso player & can’t break down defenses 1 on 1 . His defense comes and goes he’s very scrawny can get bullied . Not a good rebounder or rim protector. But Mabye with his butt buddies he will be revive his suns days Defensively on the perimeter. He has games were he gets very hot & he’s better when he plays off ball and can be more like a rip Hamilton where he can come off screens and shoot. If he is cold he is very bad and needs alot of motivation from his teammates to stay engaged at times. At best with the Knicks he will average around 16 points and be pretty efficient but he won’t get you over the top.

[@kevinsommers0704]

He never wanted to be with the Nets he's motivated now with teammates he's very familiar with & every player that has played under thibs has improved & outplayed their contract. Garbage take

[@QGuides]

Yes clip board!

[@baysidejr]

Im a knicks fan BUT as Rick Flair says to be the man you gotta beat the man which is the Celtics.

[@marcmillion140]

When a team goes for fit than name

[@taylor7264]

Caruso frees up thunder to use dort’s contract in trade talks

[@ADarrell]

Randle has to go. And Thibs needs to make load management a high priority.

[@caamafia]

These move makes the Knicks draft picks less valuable

[@ThunderPhant]

I mean, Thunder would've probably just beat Dallas this year if they had Caruso instead of Giddey. He's def not exactly what they need, but they are marginally better now.

[@baekjinkim7031]

As you can see draft night-Knicks always draft so bad,, it's better off we use for Trade🙏

[@michaelbarnes2126]

If the Knicks ever get rid of Randle then we will be worried about them 😂🥱🍀

[@benjaminthompson1295]

the knicks are the ever so slightly better dallas mavericks without luka

[@user-ky9vw8hx7y]

Scary defense if OG re-signs

[@Christopher._M]

If the reports of the 19 million offer are true I doubt he will resign. Barnes from Toronto is getting 50 million a year and they are almost the same player. They are in different situations but getting offered 20 million when guys like Barnes are getting offered 50 million would probably feel insulting

[@richs00n]

@@Christopher._Mwhat reports ??😂😂lmao they trynna give that man $215ms

[@richs00n]

matter fact i just got the notification

[@Christopher._M]

@@richs00n the ones I was talking about were a few days old. Not sure if they were real but I saw the 212 million deal right after I wrote my comment

[@mattwhitely1067]

Jason I am listening to basketball content I dont want spoilors for an episode I havent seen yet thats not cool

[@Mostwantedzay]

Bro shut up 😭😭

[@mattwhitely1067]

@@Mostwantedzay nah seriously

[@itsgreg8198]

It's an overpay almost regardless at what happens next

[@ericrodriguez1819]

It’s not if they win a championship with this group

[@itsgreg8198]

@@ericrodriguez1819 😂😂😂

[@Christopher._M]

It's not. Only 2-4 players per draft reach the level mikal has reached. Chances are the Knicks are not going to draft anyone better than mikal with those picks. Even if they did it would happen years later and the goal is to win now.

[@holman725]

The Bulls hedging their bets in case Lonzo Ball is not ready…🤷🏾‍♂️

[@cmac392]

Hartenstein to OKC

[@juniorn8279]

The Knicks only know how to build teams 1 way. Overpaying role players

[@dblokni99a]

Who did they over pay? Derf. Knicks have some of the best contracts in the league. The best players are actually underpaid,

[@michaelbarnes2126]

@@dblokni99athey paid OG 212 million wtf 😂

[@user-rx4bl4ou5c]

​@@michaelbarnes2126 please go watch soccer.. Wtf you talking about when other teams were offering him 240 mil?

[@fabo0913]

@@michaelbarnes2126 He had bigger offers from around the league at a full max but wanted to stay in NY, & the nets were getting calls from Houston & Memphis about Bridges and they were asking 6 first round picks for him...

[@oblivionpro69]

So true. And overpaying lower level stars like they’re superstar…

[@joemadden3194]

Yeah we over paid but the fit is perfect

[@bluechox]

Bridges will be an allstar this year

[@Burdascoobsti]

Nor even close 😊

[@mattwhitely1067]

Bridges is on a great contract but then they overpaid OG anyway this team will be good but its not a contender

[@SuperNova23333]

So now the knicks are going to Draft Bronney James and get Lebron as well.

[@bigb2470]

Did Jason fart at 7:06?

[@pedrodimaggio4144]

Damn Jason is praying for someone to beat the Celtics next season

[@JD-ny3vz]

Aren't we all smh

[@aaronbrett317]

We’ve tried this for a year. Spoiler alert, nobody is better than the Celtics.

[@roymarthkirby428]

Celtics out in the 2nd round next year

[@aaronbrett317]

@@roymarthkirby428 cool…

[@paulfritsch672]

Who did the celtics play? They never even played a good team. Everyone was injured. Celtics had the easiest road to a championship I've ever seen

[@aaronbrett317]

@@paulfritsch672 oh stop it. They led by 25 in like half of their games this year. Temper tantrums in the corner please

[@WLJ1287]

@@paulfritsch672well you ain’t seen much basketball then. Quit acting like they didn’t dominate the league the entire year and oh btw were missing their own 20 OG scorer most of the playoffs yet still only lost 3 games.

[@Cahluvca]

Title or bust for Knicks...its been awhile

[@cooldude7821]

For the next 4-5 years. If they don't win 1. This will indeed be a failure.

[@ou8428]

Milhouse: Say the line, Bart! Bart: We Want Boston Everyone: YAAAAAAAYYY!!!

[@MiyaSashi1-0]

People still using the same logic that the Celtics had easy run to the final to dismiss their greatness chill guys this team was an all time great, the celtics are still clearly and by far the best in the east .

[@stevesmiff]

Not no more!

[@michaelbarnes2126]

@@stevesmiffKnicks are not better than us with Randle 😂🍀

[@Vergos001]

Yes exactly this, they were two levels below the Celtics now are 1 level below. Only Denver is on par

[@nickstah9184]

No way theyre better than Boston

[@terrancefrazier1111]

Boston go a chip knicks got Clyde Frazier 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@nickstah9184]

@@terrancefrazier1111 😭

[@rulifaller8474]

More depth than Celtics, definitely not better starting 5. Everybody got overexcited by the Philly series, which was exhilarating but not very good.

[@michaelbarnes2126]

No they don’t and they still have Randle 😂🍀

[@nickstah9184]

They still got Randle who’s a playoff choker 😭

[@Princessk8]

No there not better than boston

[@glovs4188]

Caruso is a dwhite type of player. Worse offensively but better defensively especially on ball.

[@terrancefrazier1111]

No way in the hell is he better on defense than derrick white I'm sorry you biased he's not better

[@Bornclutch62]

I think they will be better than the Celtics , just gotta find a reliable bucket creator when they trade Randle

[@roymarthkirby428]

Please trade Randle already... Problem is he's been booty and fragile so not worth much might be better to hope he just plays better

[@deanchase7904]

Bring it knick girls

[@michaelbarnes2126]

They not better than us bucko 🤣🍀

[@WLJ1287]

Just because you look good on paper doesn’t mean what will actually happen. Don’t be like dal fans which were arrogant

[@robertlittle-yk4vg]

lmao Knicks will choke

[@Lekker4Ya]

Loved the Clipboard Breakdowns. Thank you 🙏