Report: Following Mikal Bridges ‘ trade, Miami Heat Star charges Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson of the Knicks of “tampering.”
After the Miami Heat acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, center Bam Adebayo made light of the guards Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart of the New York Knicks, accusing them of tampering. Adebayo posted the remark on X following Brunson and Hart’s sharing of a picture from their time as Villanova Wildcats with Bridges to commemorate the trade.
In response to Adebayo’s allegation, Jalen Brunson told him to “chill,” while Josh Hart requested permission to celebrate in peace. After Bridges was traded to the Knicks, Donte DiVincenzo, Brunson, and Hart were all reunited with their Villanova teammates.
Bridges was obtained by the Knicks in return for a number of draft picks, including four first-round picks that were not protected. The Knicks made a stunning trade to improve their squad and contend with the Boston Celtics.
Bam Adebayo’s remark may have been intended to be humorous, but it raises concerns about NBA tampering. The NBA has already looked into allegations of tampering by the Knicks; as a result, they were awarded a second-round pick in 2025, following an investigation into their 2022 acquisition of Brunson.
Mikal Bridges originally cost the Nets six first-round selections, according to NBA Insider.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on the Hoop Collective, the Brooklyn Nets requested six first-round picks from clubs interested in Mikal Bridges, an unprecedented amount. The 27-year-old forward was acquired by the New York Knicks in exchange for five unprotected first-round picks, one protected first-round pick, and a pick swap, though they were able to work out a somewhat lower deal.
They spoke with other teams, and they requested six. With just five and a swap, the Knicks were able to negotiate them down, I suppose, if you phrase it that way. Brian Windhorst of ESPN stated on the Hoop Collective that
Bridges’s lack of selection to an All-Star squad and his mediocre but respectable numbers from the previous season have caused some people to question the deal. The large offer from the Knicks has been compared to the deals of Kevin Durant and Donovan Mitchell, which resulted in fewer selections.
The Knicks are anticipated to maintain their aggressive strategy and try to re-sign OG Anunoby to play on the wing with Bridges despite the exorbitant cost. Although this deal might produce a strong defensive tandem, it is unclear if it will help the Knicks win a title.
