The Knicks have figured out a way to even out the money in order to complete the Mikal Bridges trade.
They will include guard Shake Milton in a sign-and-trade and roster-filler Mamadi Diakite, along with Bojan Bogdanovic — in addition to five future first-round picks and one pick swap — in the deal with the Nets, according to the Athletic.
The Knicks needed to add salary to the trade in order to avoid being capped at the $178.1 million first apron for luxury tax purposes.
The Knicks also will take back forward Keita Bates-Diop from Brooklyn, according to the Athletic, after Milton signs a three-year, $9 million contract, which reportedly includes two non-guaranteed years.
Bridges has appeared in 474 consecutive games to start his NBA career, and averaged 19.6 points last season with the Nets.
He will join former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo with the Knicks, who finished second in the Eastern Conference last season at 50-32 before losing in the second round of the playoffs to the Pacers amid a rash of injuries.
News Summary:
- Knicks, Nets tweak blockbuster Mikal Bridges trade with new players
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