So this is what it feels like to be on the other side. To be the desirable basketball destination for the top players. To have guys choose to play for you so they can win now. Kinda makes you want to request a trade to join your best friends in life and blast the Beastie Boys.

At least that’s what Mikal Bridges did (can’t confirm the Beastie Boys part) to make his and Knicks fans dreams a reality Tuesday night. Seemingly out of nowhere, in the shadow of the Subway Series, the Knicks finished off a blockbuster trade with the Nets to acquire the talented guard. Now this trade was a doozy so I’ll let the tweet do the talking.

From a Knicks perspective this deal accomplishes two things, one that is significant and one that is kinda hilarious. Let’s start with the hilarious part. The quartet of “Nova Knicks” is now complete as Bridges joins Villanova teammates and friends Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo on Broadway. Hit it Allan!

More importantly what this deal accomplishes is it further boosts the Knicks in their quest to win it all. Bridges is one of the better two way players in the game, who can defend really well while also being able to score and create offense. He presents a viable number two option for Brunson to work off of on offense and provide stout defensive play, a hallmark of this team. Above all he represents the thing GM Leon Rose has sought to foster in this team, a sense of chemistry and bonding. There is no better way to do that than to bring in four teammates and good friends.

Sure this was a lot to give up, but to acquire a player like Bridges, who at 27 years old has been extremely durable so far in the league is virtually a no brainer. Especially with how much of a bizarre crap shoot the NBA draft has become. It amounts to nice return for the Nets, but in the end, whatever credibility they had left in a “battle for New York” is done and over with. Time to send these guys back to Jersey.

With Bridges in the fold, the Knicks turned their attention to retaining the services of OG Anunoby. They didn’t waste much time, as they signed number 8 to whopping extension. This was the first of two critical retentions and to say Knicks fans are excited for OG’s return is an understatement. The former Hoosier forward helped take the Knicks from playoff team to a real threat in that postseason. He was such a joy to watch down the stretch when healthy, which makes the prospect of a full season in midtown even more enticing for OG.

The next pressing bit of business the Knicks have is retaining Isaiah Hartenstein. By all accounts, keeping the center on Broadway is going to be increasingly difficult as he is in demand league wide. In my opinion though the Knicks must move heaven and earth to keep number 55, as he is the best center on the roster and fits the roster the best. His ability to rebound while still being a solid offensive contributor and defender makes him more critical to have than Mitchell Robinson. Leon Rose must unload Robinson and others if necessary to keep the big man at Garden, and complete this roster.

I’ll have a follow up to this as the off-season progresses, and the Knicks lineup is more fleshed out. It’s an exciting time for this team to say the least and hopefully their MSG roommates, the Rangers, have a successful offseason as well. We need another spring of playoff games every night…even if it’s bad for our health.

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