Blockbuster: Nets and Knicks Make First Trade Since 1983
The Signal: Nets are in full rebuild mode, and the Knicks are loading up for a championship run. The Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks pulled off a very…
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 04: Mikal Bridges #1 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at Barclays Center on March 04, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Brooklyn Nets 106-102. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)The Signal: Nets are in full rebuild mode, and the Knicks are loading up for a championship run.
The Brooklyn Nets and the New York Knicks pulled off a very rare blockbuster trade between the two organizations on Tuesday night when the Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges and a second-round pick while sending the Nets a monster haul of 4 unprotected first-round picks, the Milwaukee Bucks top 4 protected 2025 first-round pick, and a 2028 pick swap. 5 first-round picks 4 of them being unprotected and a pick swap for someone who was not an All-Star last year seems like a lot to give up. The Knicks could have gotten a much better player for the amount of picks they gave up, but it was not about that. This trade is about fit and chemistry, and that is exactly what the Knicks are getting.
The Knicks are looking to put together a championship team from chemistry and grit. The Knicks as currently constructed have one star and a ton of role players but in a weak Eastern Conference that may be enough to get them to the NBA Finals. Re-signing OG Anunoby remains a focal point for the Knicks as we head into the NBA Draft and free agency, but if they can find a way to retain him, they will certainly have enough wing defenders to compete with the defending champion Boston Celtics. The Knicks have gotten exactly what they want, and we will see if it's enough to put them over the top in the East.
The Brooklyn Nets on the other hand are in complete rebuild mode after it was expected that they were going to hold onto Mikal Bridges and pursue a star to play alongside him. The Nets got back an irresistible haul for the 27-year-old which probably played a major role in them deciding to trade him away. The Nets were also able to flip two of the Suns' draft picks acquired in the Kevin Durant deal to the Houston Rockets for their own 2025 first-round pick, and their own 2026 first-round pick. The Nets winded up getting a total of 9 first-round draft picks (including their own back), a 2028 first-round pick swap, a 2028 unprotected pick swap, along three second-round picks for Kevin Durant. The Nets are making the best of a bad situation, and that total number of draft picks could be much higher if the Nets decide to move on from Cameron Johnson as well.
In a rare trade between two city rivals, it looks like both teams are getting exactly what they are looking for out of the deal. The trade like most blockbusters, will be measured on if the Knicks win a championship when it's all said and done, and what the Nets do with the picks acquired from the Knicks. It's too early to say how this trade will work out, but it certainly seems like the Knicks overpaid for a player who isn't an All-Star yet.
Fantasy Baseball: Players to Sell High On
Top Fantasy Baseball Players to Move Before it's too Late.
When it comes to selling high on players, you are looking to trade a player who is over-performing compared to their career statistics. This year there are a few of them that stand out, most of them being pitchers. Trading these players now for some proven sustained talent could be the key to success in the following months of fantasy leagues.
Seth Lugo
Lugo has been unbelievable throughout his first 16 starts registering 10 wins, a 2.42 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 87 strikeouts through 104 innings. Pitcher needy teams may be really interested in acquiring Lugo and you should be more than happy to send Lugo on his way. Lugo has never pitched more than 150 innings and fatigue could play a major factor in his effectiveness in the second half of the year. If you are in need of hitting moving Lugo for a viable bat is the route you need to take.
Ranger Suarez
Jurickson Profar
Profar has been fantastic so far this season hitting .319 with 10 homers and 48 RBIs in 80 games. Profar has never really hit for average, and he has already eclipsed his power totals from last year. Profar is definitely a moveable piece with how well he has played and whoever is moving him could reap the benefits as it is more likely than not, he finishes the year batting under .300. Knowing that he most likely won’t hit over .300 and his power numbers are already higher than his totals last year, he may not offer much upside the rest of the way. Move him for a more valuable piece and you could certainly reap the benefits of picking up Profar, or drafting him in the later rounds.
