The fantasy basketball effects of the Mikal Bridges-Knicks trade

The NBA offseason is off to an interesting start, with one of the latest trades sending Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks for Bojan Bogdanovic and picks. The fantasy basketball season is still months away, but the move will impact the value of several players.

The fantasy basketball effects of the Mikal Bridges-Knicks trade

Can Mikal Bridges bounce back from his disappointing season?

Bridges had a high ADP heading into the 2023-2024 season and was drafted by many in the higher rounds. This was based on his stellar performance after being traded to the Brooklyn Nets at the 2023 trade deadline. However, he was disappointing this season, finishing the year ranked 57th in category competitions, according to Basketball Monster. The forward/guard stats were not what fantasy managers expected this season, averaging 19.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 14.7 15: 00 hours and 2.0 TOV on the splits of 44/37/81.

Bridges now plays alongside Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle and OG Anunoby, moving from a top offensive option to a third/fourth. Taking a step back and not leading the offense will ease the pressure on him. With the Knicks, his role will be similar to when he was with the Phoenix Suns. As a result, his offensive numbers will likely decline slightly, but he can focus more energy on the defensive end and other categories. Bridges joins the star-studded Knicks cast, but a dip in some of his stats doesn’t necessarily mean worse fantasy value. He has flourished in this role before, and this change will suit him better.

Will Bojan Bogdanovic be relevant again in fantasy style?

Bogdanovic averaged just outside the top 100 in category leagues in the 2022-23 season, per Basketball Monster. This year, he was closer to 300. The 35-year-old produced solidly with the Detroit Pistons to start the season, but a trade to the Knicks dented his fantasy relevance. He transitioned to a bench role with his new team and averaged 10.4 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.0 BPG, 1.6 3PM and 1.3 TOV on 43/37/80 shooting.

It is unclear what role Bogdanovic will play in Brooklyn. A starting spot would boost his production, especially his offensive stats. Last season, only one player averaged more than 20 points on the team: Cam Thomas. Not counting Bridges, the second leading scorer was Dennis Schroder with 14.6 per game. The Nets also have several injury-prone players, which could allow them to rely more on the veteran. Even if Bogdanovic plays off the bench again, with Brooklyn’s depth, he can still play a role. Either way, this situation is better for him and his fantasy relevance than it was with the Knicks.

How will the Knicks and Nets rosters be affected?

As the current Knicks roster looks, they have a stacked team. But a starting lineup of Brunson-Bridges-Anunoby-Randle raises concerns about their fantasy value. Brunson will still be the best fantasy option of the bunch and a high draft pick. His score will likely drop slightly, but the rest of his stats should remain similar. However, Randle and Anunoby’s overall value will likely take minor hits, and their consistency may fluctuate. Remember, this team is coached by Tom Thibodeau, who loves to play heavy minutes, so playing time shouldn’t be an issue for these guys. Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart will find bigger hits worth their salt. They will still play a key role in the rotation, but will be forced to the bench if the core four are healthy. Also keep in mind that trade talks surrounding Randle are heating up, and a move will impact the team’s fantasy value.

The loss of Bridges signals an expanded offensive role for Thomas. However, he is a one-dimensional player who doesn’t have much to offer in category competitions as his fantasy value comes mainly from points. His rating may increase slightly, but managers shouldn’t expect his other stats to change. Guys like Nic Claxton and Cameron Johnson have the most to gain because they get more opportunities offensively. As for the rest of the team, several Nets players have been mentioned in trade talks as Brooklyn continues to rebuild.

The last word

The NBA offseason has only just begun and there could be more action on the horizon for both teams. For now, the trade appears to benefit both Bridges and Bogdanovic (especially if he starts).