The Athletic NBA Daily – Episode Summary: "Mikal Bridges Traded to the Knicks | NBA Draft News & Rumors"

Release Date: June 26, 2024
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, Esfandiar Baraheni
Regular Contributors: Mo Daquil

1. Mikal Bridges Traded to the New York Knicks

The episode kicks off with breaking news about Mikal Bridges being traded to the New York Knicks from the Brooklyn Nets. Dave DuFour introduces the trade update:

Dave DuFour [04:03]: "Mikhail Bridges, who hasn't missed a basketball game since high school, is going to be playing for Tom Thibodeau and the New York Knicks after being traded by the Brooklyn Nets."

Trade Details:

• From: Brooklyn Nets
• To: New York Knicks
• Nets Receive:
  • Four unprotected first-round picks from the Knicks
  • A top four protected pick in 2025 (originating from Milwaukee)
  • A 2025 second-round pick

Mo Daquil comments on the magnitude of the trade:

Mo Daquil [05:10]: "They agree to this trade yesterday... This is a pretty big swing. Whether it's a home run or not, we don't know. But it's a big cut, sending out five picks, four of them unprotected."

2. Impact on the New York Knicks

The hosts delve into the implications of acquiring Mikal Bridges for the Knicks' roster and future prospects.

Roster Adjustments:

• Jalen Brunson: Seen as the number one player for the Knicks, there's a discussion on whether his role is sufficient when paired with Bridges.

  Dave DuFour [06:44]: "Is this enough to beat Boston? That's a lot of perimeter defense. I like it, but I want to see it all kind of come together."

Concerns:

• Isaiah Hartenstein's Departure: The Knicks might lose Hartenstein unless he's willing to take a significant pay cut, raising concerns about replacing his role, especially in rebounding and offensive playmaking.

  Mo Daquil [10:54]: "He was solid for them defensively... They are going to miss him. They are going to need a guy like Precious Achua to really step up, and Robinson's got to stay healthy."

Offensive and Defensive Balance:

• Playmaking and Rebounding: With Bridges being more defensively oriented, there's uncertainty about the Knicks' offensive dynamics and their ability to replace Hartenstein's contributions.

  Dave DuFour [09:21]: "Do you think the Knicks are looking at the 27 games that Mikel Bridges played... and thinking this is our number two guy?"

3. Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets Trade Analysis

The discussion shifts to a strategic trade between the Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets, involving draft picks and positioning for future seasons.

Trade Breakdown:

• Nets Receive: Their 2026 first-round pick from Houston
• Rockets Receive: The Nets' 2020 first-round pick via Phoenix Suns

Implications for Brooklyn:

• Rebuilding Phase: Mo Daquil highlights Brooklyn's move towards rebuilding:

  Mo Daquil [18:15]: "This allows them to control their destiny. The most important thing right now for the Nets was what was their direction... and that's exactly what they did."

Implications for Houston:

• Draft Positioning: The Rockets are better positioned in the draft, potentially affecting their future with added assets.

  Dave DuFour [16:39]: "This allows them to control their destiny... a clear sign they’re moving on."

4. Paul George Trade Rumors

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around rumors linking Paul George to potential trades, with a focus on the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.

Potential Destinations:

• New York Knicks: Dave expresses that while Paul George is a high-caliber player, his injury history might be a concern for the Knicks.

  Dave DuFour [30:27]: "Paul George or Bridges, where do you go?"

• Clippers and Golden State: The hosts discuss the improbability of Paul George moving to the Golden State Warriors or being traded by the Los Angeles Clippers due to salary cap constraints and team dynamics.

  Mo Daquil [27:58]: "I just don't see it from the Clippers perspective... Golden State’s not taking Wiggins. Like, come on."

Health and Performance:

• Concerns about Paul George's health and his impact compared to Mikal Bridges are addressed.

  Dave DuFour [31:52]: "Paul George is just... he's a better player, hands down. But the health stuff... if you're the Knicks, that probably is a concern."

5. Coaching Changes and Offseason Moves

The episode also covers recent coaching hires, particularly focusing on JJ Redick's appointment as the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

JJ Redick as Lakers Coach:

• Background: Mo Daquil shares insights on JJ Redick transitioning from a player and podcaster to an NBA head coach.

  Mo Daquil [38:10]: "Former NBA player for 15 years turned NBA head coach... he's a worker as a player, he's a worker as a podcaster."

• Challenges: Discussion on the learning curve Redick will face adapting to the organizational responsibilities of a head coach.

  Mo Daquil [39:32]: "He has to decide what time the buses leave... there's so many different things he was like, 'Oh, I didn't know I had to actually be on top of this.'"

Kenny Atkinson Hired by Cleveland Cavaliers:

• Player Development: Recognition of Atkinson's track record in developing players like Evan Mobley.

  Dave DuFour [45:28]: "Kenny Atkinson is the sort of assistant that I'd love to see JJ get in LA. He develops players, makes them better players."

6. NBA Draft Coverage and Future Episodes

The hosts conclude by highlighting The Athletic's comprehensive coverage of the upcoming NBA and NHL drafts, featuring expert analysis from their top reporters.

Dave DuFour [37:04]: "Keep it locked into the Athletic NBA Show. We're going to have a live post game right after... Zach Harper, Andrew Schlecht, all of the great people that we've got over at the Athletic."

Key Takeaways:

• Mikal Bridges' Trade: A significant move by the Knicks aiming to bolster their defense, but raising questions about depth and offensive capabilities.
• Brooklyn Nets' Strategy: The Nets are positioning themselves for a rebuild with substantial draft assets, signaling a shift in their long-term plans.
• Paul George's Future: Uncertainty remains regarding Paul George's potential trade destinations, balancing his high skill level against injury concerns.
• Coaching Transitions: The Lakers' hire of JJ Redick and Cavaliers' selection of Kenny Atkinson indicate strategic shifts in coaching philosophies and player development.
• Upcoming Draft Insights: The Athletic NBA Daily promises in-depth coverage and expert analysis on the NBA and NHL drafts, ensuring fans stay informed on pivotal offseason moves.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content segments to provide a focused overview of the episode's main discussions and insights.