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 months away, but the move has implications for the value of multiple players.
The Fantasy Basketball Impacts of the Mikal Bridges-Knicks Trade
Can Mikal Bridges Bounce Back From His Underwhelming Season?
Bridges had a high ADP heading into the 2023-24 season and was drafted by many in the higher rounds. This was based on his excellent performance after being traded to the Brooklyn Nets at the 2023 trade deadline. However, he underwhelmed this season and finished the year ranked 57th in category leagues, per Basketball Monster. The forward/guard’s stats weren’t what fantasy managers expected this season, averaging 19.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 2.7 3PM, and 2.0 TOV on 44/37/81 splits.
Now playing alongside Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, and OG Anunoby, Bridges will go from being a top offensive option to a third/fourth one. Taking a step back from being at the forefront of the offence eases 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 decrease a bit, but he can focus more energy on the defensive end and other categories. Bridges is joining a star-studded Knicks cast, but a dip in some of his stats doesn’t necessarily mean worse fantasy value. He’s flourished in this role before, and this change will better fit him.
Will Bojan Bogdanovic Have Fantasy Relevance Again?
In the 2022-23 season, Bogdanovic posted just outside top-100 value in category leagues, per Basketball Monster. This year, he was closer to 300. The 35-year-old had solid production with the Detroit Pistons to start this season, but a trade to the Knicks plummeted his fantasy relevance. He moved 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’s unclear what role Bogdanovic will have in Brooklyn. A starting spot would boost his production, especially his offensive stats. Last season, only one player averaged 20+ points on the team: Cam Thomas. Not including Bridges, the second leading scorer was Dennis Schroder at 14.6 per game. The Nets also have several injury-prone players, which could lead them to rely more on the veteran. Even if Bogdanovic resumes playing off the bench, with Brooklyn’s depth, he can still carve out a role. Regardless, 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 stands, 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 scoring will likely dip slightly, but the rest of his stats should remain similar. However, Randle and Anunoby’s overall value will likely take small hits, and their consistency could fluctuate. Remember, this team is coached by Tom Thibodeau, who loves giving heavy minutes, so playing time shouldn’t be an issue for these guys. Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart will face bigger hits to their value. They’ll still play key parts in the rotation but will be forced to the bench when the core four are healthy. Also, note that trade talks around Randle are heating up, and a move will impact the team’s fantasy value.
The loss of Bridges indicates a greater role on offence for Thomas. However, he’s a one-dimensional player who doesn’t offer much in category leagues, as his fantasy value mainly comes from points. His scoring 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, as they’ll get more opportunities offensively. As for the rest of the team, several Nets players have been mentioned in trade talks as Brooklyn looks to rebuild.
The Last Word
The NBA offseason is just getting started, and more moves could be on the way for both teams. For now, the trade appears to benefit both Bridges and Bogdanovic (especially if he starts).
